It never ceases to amaze me how God takes the very thing He is dealing with me most, and then makes that be the topic of Pastor Paul's sermon.

Today's sermon was no exception as the title was "Growing a Great Faith".

That is definitely what God is up to in my life right now.

Pastor Paul preached from a passage of Scripture I had read before, but really didn't have a very clear understanding of until today.

Matthew 15: 21-28 tells the story of a Gentile woman who came to Jesus pleading for mercy because her daughter was demon possessed.

Scripture says, "But Jesus gave her no reply, not even a word." Jesus ignored her?

The disciples urged Jesus to send her away because "she is bothering us with all her begging".

And then Jesus says something even more disturbing. He tells the woman, "I was sent only to help God's lost sheep - the people of Israel." So now Jesus rejects her?

And what does she do? Scripture tells us she came and worshiped him, pleading again, "Lord, help me!".

Jesus responds by saying, "It isn't right to take food from the children and throw it to the dogs." The woman replies, "That's true, Lord, but even dogs are allowed to eat the scraps that fall beneath their masters' table."

So Jesus first ignores the woman, then He rejects her and embarrasses her!

All for a good reason - for a specific purpose. A purpose that is behind everything God does ... to bring glory to His name!

After the discussion of dogs, children and table scraps Jesus tells the woman, "Your faith is great. Your request is granted."

Her daughter was then instantly healed.

Jesus acted out of the ordinary to create drama to ultimately bring glory to His name through the healing of that woman's daughter. How easy would it have been for the woman to give up and walk away after being ignored, rejected and embarrassed by Jesus?

Very easy. As easy as it would have been for me to give up and throw in the towel after that 3rd failed IUI when I thought I wasn't pregnant, then thought I was, only to discover I really wasn't pregnant.

Pastor Paul brought to my attention today something I haven't really thought about.

God creates difficulties in our lives to test and strengthen our faith.

And just like that woman was found with great faith, I want to be found with great faith. Pastor Paul said that woman passed her test of faith with flying colors.

I want to pass my test of faith (infertility) with flying colors!

Pastor Paul's sermon included four qualities found in great faith. I will share those the next chance I get.

Get ready ... it's some good stuff that will bring much encouragement to anyone out there who is just about ready to throw in the towel.

- Elaine