Have you ever been at a point when you felt you were literally at the end of your rope? All the pressures of life, from finances and jobs to relationships and family, can be so heavy that they bring us to what feels like a breaking point. Maybe you have a personal need, or perhaps you’re carrying the burden of someone else. In that place of desperation, we often turn from one direction to the next searching for something firm we can hold onto, or someone strong and steady that we can trust to bring the answers. This is where the Syrophoenician woman found herself as she threw herself at the feet of Jesus on behalf of her daughter. Many times we find ourselves disappointed in our moment of need, as we search through our phones for someone to talk to, because not one person seems to be available. But we have a Heavenly Father who will never miss the call. He is never too busy and will never turn a blind eye. In fact, he shows himself strong in our weakness. It is up to us to turn our hearts toward him and present our requests. And as we honor him with our faith, he honors us with his faithfulness.

Take your shot, now is the time to seek him!

1. Petition Jesus

The Syrophoenician woman came to advocate for her daughter, and found that she had encountered THE advocate. Likewise, when we take our dilemmas to Jesus, he takes our case to God and pleads on our behalf.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests. —Philippians 4:6

2. Believe Jesus

The Syrophoenician woman was not afraid to approach Jesus. Nor was she afraid to return home when Jesus responded to her request, then told her to go. When she got home she found her miracle. God honors us when we have the audacity to confidently believe in what we cannot see.

And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.  —Hebrews 11:6

There’s no request that God will not hear. No desperation too big. He’s never in vacation mode. Even when he set himself apart to rest, he did not deny the Syrophoenician woman a conversation, he answered her petition and honored her faith. We too can come into the presence of God and ask for what we need. We don’t have to act like everything is OK. We can be honest in his presence. If we seek him, we will find him. If we petition him, he will reply. When we believe, our faith is honored. Cry out in faith, you will not be denied.