[She gets no answer and the whole "church" is against her.]

The Prayer Of Faith Vs. If It Be Your Will: Which Gets Answered?
Can Christians receive a yes by faith to prayer if the request is contrary to the latest teaching from the Father's heart, opposed by all the elders; they are called names, told no, and told to go away?


Matthew 15:21-28

King James Version (KJV)

 21Then Jesus went thence, and departed into the coasts of Tyre and Sidon.

 22And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil.

 23But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us.
She gets no answer and the whole "church" is against her.

 24But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
    Jesus clearly says it is not His will at this time and not for her.
 
25Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me.

 26But he answered and said, It is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it to dogs.
Jesus just taught about giving to the dogs in Matthew 7:6
Jesus calls her a little dog. Still another reason it is not His will.
 
27And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters' table.

 28Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour.
She NEVER prayed "if it be thy will". She pressed in for her request by FAITH and received it. Jesus expects His people to ask in faith knowing His will to heal, deliver and save. 2 Corinthians 1:20
I am sure  no one ever asks for forgiveness of sins prefaced with "if it be thy will". Jesus made it clear it was willing and able to do BOTH.

Matthew 9:4-6

King James Version (KJV)

 4And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts?

 5For whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and walk?

 6But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house.



Here is the point. She had no promise(s) for anything. We do.

Psalm 103:1-5

King James Version (KJV)
Psalm 103

 1Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.

 2Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:

 3Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;

 4Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;

 5Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's


Jesus ignored her. Here is our promise:

1 John 5:14-15

King James Version (KJV)

 14And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:

 15And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.



Jesus called her a dog. We are not "dogs" but sons/daughters by adoption, seated in heavenly places with Jesus, and joint heirs with Him and entitled to all the promises included in salvation.

The apostles opposed her. Opposition by well meaning ignorant Christians and anti Christ forces to what Jesus promises cannot make of none effect God's clear word.

The prayer of faith is always answered by a yes and amen according to the Bible.
2 Corinthians 1:20

King James Version (KJV)

 20For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.

   
Below is an example:
James 5:14-15

King James Version (KJV)

 14Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:

 15And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him


Praying "if it be thy will" about a clear promise of God is not faith. It usually is an excuse for putting the blame on God if nothing happens, or ignorance of God's will.

As believers we have everything this woman did not with the possible exception of opposition from "others". We have the clear word of God, the Holy Spirit dwelling in us, Jesus our High Priest making intercession for us, the Blood Of Jesus, the promise He always hears us, and always an answer of YES! If an unsaved little dog going against a recent teaching by Jesus Himself, which she may have even heard, can get a healing what is our excuse.

How "user friendly" is Jesus

Jesus is compassionate. He demonstrates the the love of His Father throughout the gospels by healing ALL that came to Him, setting people free from demons, raising the dead, and feeding the hungry with His word. The all inclusive purpose of His ministry was to teach, preach and demonstrate the Kingdom Of God by the power of the Holy Spirit; and raise up disciples to do the same. This has NOT changed, but it seems the current meaning of discipleship has.
Jesus ALWAYS rebuked unbelief in His disciples at every occasion. Let us look at them.


1. His disciples were EXPECTED to have faith in what Jesus said, not whine.
Mark 4:35 (New King James Version)
Wind and Wave Obey Jesus
35 On the same day, when evening had come, He said to them, “Let us cross over to the other side.”
37 And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling.
38 But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?
40 But He said to them, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?”[a]

2. Peter demonstrated faith when he was the only one that got out of the boat to walk on the stormy sea.One would think Jesus would cut Peter some slack. It was not the case. It should be noted that Jesus did NOT let Peter drown and it is obvious as to why.
13 For “whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved.”[a]
"saved" (sozo) means a LOT more than having ones sins forgiven. This is what Jesus was demonstrating!

Matthew 14:30-31 (New King James Version)

30 But when he saw that the wind was boisterous,[a] he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!”
31 And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”

3. Jesus expected His disciples to heal and cast out demons. NOTHING has changed! Note His rebuke for their unbelief. Perverse means corrupted, turned aside. In this case turned aside or corrupted from the meaning and use of FAITH to set people free from powerful demons. HAVING COMPASSION!

Matthew 17:16-17 (New King James Version)

16 So I brought him to Your disciples, but they could not cure him.”
17 Then Jesus answered and said, “O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I bear with you? Bring him here to Me.”
THE DISCIPLES CHOSE NOT TO BE OFFENDED AND AS A RESULT RECEIVED INSTRUCTION FROM JESUS. THERE IS NO SUBSTITUTE FOR A TEACHABLE HEART. IT WILL SAVE ONES LIFE. (see King David)

4. Jesus spoke the Words His Father gave Him. His disciples were EXPECTED to believe them, not try to put their own "spin" on things or be offended.
John 6:60-68
60 Therefore many of His disciples, when they heard this, said, “This is a hard saying; who can understand it?”
64 But there are some of you who do not believe.” For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were who did not believe, and who would betray Him.
65 And He said, “Therefore I have said to you that no one can come to Me unless it has been granted to him by My Father.”
  WHAT HE JUST TOLD THEM IS THEY ARE LEAVING BECAUSE THEY COULD NOT BELIEVE ANYWAY. IT DOES NOT MENTION A CHOIR OF ANGELS SINGING "JUST AS I AM" OR "ALMOST PERSUADED" REPEATEDLY. OR USING MIND CONTROL METHODS TO GET PEOPLE TO COME TO THE ALTER. THE RESULT IS DOUBTFUL CONVERTS OR AN ALTER CALL EVERY SUNDAY THAT CHANGES NOTHING IN PEOPLES LIVES.
66 From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more.
NEXT JESUS CHALLENGES THE 12 THAT ARE LEFT. NOTICE NONE OF THEM SAID, THAT WAS NOT 'LOVE' JESUS!
67 Then Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you also want to go away?”
BY FAITH THEY HAD HIS WORD SETTLED, EVEN IF THEY DID NOT FULLY UNDERSTAND, WHICH THEY DID NOT. IT SEEMS JESUS JUST LOST MOST OF HIS 'CHURCH'. HE IS NOT INTERESTED IN NUMBERS, OR IS HE 'USER FRIENDLY' TO GET AND KEEP THEM.
68 But Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. 69 Also we have come to believe and know that You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”[a]

5. Let us look at corporate unbelief. Christian leaders and Christians who think they know Jesus are the cause of a culture of unbelief in the churches. It is difficult to overcome.

Matthew 13:55-58 (New King James Version)

55 Is this not the carpenter’s son? Is not His mother called Mary? And His brothers James, Joses,[a] Simon, and Judas? 56 And His sisters, are they not all with us? Where then did this Man get all these things?” 57 So they were offended at Him.
But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own country and in his own house.” 58 Now He did not do many mighty works there because of their unbelief.

6. The disciples experienced a devastating trauma when Jesus was crucified. However He still expected them to believe the report:
Isaiah 53:1 (New King James Version)
1 Who has believed our report?
And to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed?
 DISCIPLES ARE TO BELIEVE THE REPORT CONCERNING SALVATION, ALL OF IT, BY FAITH, IN SPITE OF ANY NEGATIVE CIRCUMSTANCES OR EVIDENCE TO THE CONTRARY.

10 She went and told those who had been with Him, as they mourned and wept. 11 And when they heard that He was alive and had been seen by her, they did not believe.
12 After that, He appeared in another form to two of them as they walked and went into the country. 13 And they went and told it to the rest, but they did not believe them either.
14 Later He appeared to the eleven as they sat at the table; and He rebuked their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they did not believe those who had seen Him after He had risen.

THE NEXT SCRIPTURES DEMONSTRATE THAT SEEING DOES NOT MEAN BELIEVING ANYTHING IN ONES HEART!
38 And He said to them, “Why are you troubled? And why do doubts arise in your hearts? 39 Behold My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself. Handle Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see I have.”
40 When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His feet.[a] 41 But while they still did not believe for joy, and marveled, He said to them, “Have you any food here?” 42 So they gave Him a piece of a broiled fish and some honeycomb. 43 And He took it and ate in their presence.

EVEN AFTER ALL THIS 'SEEING' THE DISCIPLES WERE CONSIDERING LEAVING THE MINISTRY AND GOING BACK TO FISHING. NO HEART FAITH!
2 Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of His disciples were together. 3 Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.”
They said to him, “We are going with you also.” They went out and immediately[a] got into the boat, and that night they caught nothing.

WHAT EVENT HAPPENED TO CHANGE THEM FROM HEAD FAITH TO HEART FAITH, WHICH BROUGHT TO LIFE ALL THAT JESUS HAD TAUGHT THEM FOR THE PAST 3 YEARS THEY HAD BEEN WITH HIM?
John 14:17 (New King James Version)
17 the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.
John 16:13-14 (New King James Version)
13 However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. 14 He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you.

NOW THE EVENT AND WHO IT IS FOR:
Acts 2:4 (New King James Version)
4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
Acts 2:38-39 (New King James Version)
38 Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.”


7. HERE IS THE MAJOR POINT JESUS ALWAYS TAUGHT AND REINFORCED IN EVERY SITUATION IN BOTH OLD AND NEW TESTAMENTS, AND WHY HE DID IT:
Hebrews 11:6 (New King James Version)
6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

[In My name they will cast out demons;]

So You Want To Love People Like Jesus Did.
    Here is what Jesus did all the time, over and over because He loved people and still does (Hebrews 13:8). Here is what any Christian can do, AND here is what Jesus commands us to do. The reason we do not is that we allow the devils/wrong teaching to convince us we need a special anointing or gift, make us afraid to pray for people in public outside 'church', make us afraid it might not work, or that people have to be saved to get healed. Jesus healed and delivered many that were not saved, did not believe, and one was dead! Please see John 5:1-15, John chapter 9, in Luke 7:11-17 and Mark 5:34-43 no one "believed" except Jesus. In Mark 9:18-24 the father did not believe. Note Jesus did not say to come back when you can believe. He did what was needed at he time from a heart of compassion by the power of the Holy Spirit.

    Please be aware that Jesus voluntarily gave up the independent use of His Godly powers like omnipotence, omniscience, omnipresence and had to minister just as we do; from a heart of compassion by the Holy Spirit in us.See Hebrews 2:17-18, Philippians 2:7 and Acts 10:38.

    Mark 16:17-18 New King James Version (NKJV) 17 And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; 18 they[a] will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”

    Remember, we have the power living in us that raises the dead! The Holy Spirit wants to do these things through us. NOW! Please note it says "those who believe". ANY believer can do these things, even in Walmart! And besides it is FUN!!I can give anyone a link that is excellent on the "how to" if they wish. Please remember the devil will oppose you in this with everything he has. He will even try to convince you it is not for today or has passed away. Faith in this case means continuing to do these things even if results are not apparent or immediate. Zero people prayed for to be healed, delivered or raised from the dead equals 0 results.
    If not us who? If not now when?
One shark in 1916 forever changed the US, including the shark experts. Think what Christians could do doing Mark 16:17-18 and Matthew 10:7-8.

It might help you understand me better if I give you a little of our testimony. I became a believer in '77 and my wife Judy 3 years previously. We "discovered" that Jesus is just who He says He is and still doing all the same things He did in His earthly ministry: "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever." We also learned He wanted things done His way, according to what His word says, not "I think" or what religion told us. For instance we saw the promise in Acts 16:31, and by faith (Hebrews 11:1) our parents, brothers and sisters all received Jesus. It was interesting because Judy's family were quite Catholic. They are not anymore.

I had the privilege of leading my father to the Lord. Jesus healed him of high blood pressure (he had been on medication for 30 years) and diabetes. I was an alcoholic since high school but Jesus set me totally free shortly after I was born form above.

The keys to Jesus' kingdom and all Jesus purchased in His atonement we found out were just what Peter preached in Acts 2:37-39. "...Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Two things we decided to do His way. We were clueless about the Holy Spirit but saw it in Mark 16:17 "And these signs will follow those who believe: In my name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues;...". We "believed" and man's views weren't working so it happened a lot like in Acts 19:1-6.

We also found out that He really is a jealous God and will not share His glory with another. As we saw Him faithful we decided to trust Him alone for His promises. My attitude was (and still is) either Jesus does today what He promises and did 2000 years ago if we meet the conditions (and His grace enables us) or we need another god. So I canceled our health insurance, paid off all debt including our mortgage and Jesus became our family physician and "banker". Five of our 7 children were born at home by the power of Jesus plus 10 grand children. One daughter was still born with the cord wrapped around her neck, a dark purple and not breathing. I called out to Jesus and He raised her up. Jesus has healed all of us many times: asthma, broken bones, hemorrhage, appendicitis, and more without any use of shots, drugs or the medical system for over 30 years. Most of these were healings we were required to believe Jesus' word and battle the devil for over a period of time. Instantaneous miracles are great, but do not produce Hebrews 11 faith.

We have had the privilege to pray for many others and see them healed by Jesus' power; two people of terminal cancer (their doctors were amazed). We have friends that see all of Matthew 10:7-8 quite often including our oldest son's father-in-law who ministers to the Indians in the mountains of Oaxaca, Mexico. People need a Jesus that works in their situation, not after they are dead!

This is NORMAL Christianity not some "special" grace. Many think we are insane, but my attitude is we are not out of our minds, just out of theirs. Believers have been robbed of so much by religion, opinion, doubt and unbelief that Kingdom living is nearly an unknown thing and "churchianity" substituted for it. After all Jesus mentioned the Kingdom Of Heaven (God) over 100 times in the gospels and the church twice.

Our hearts are to do all we can to have Jesus receive all the love, faith and obedience from Christians that He died to make possible.