“She was healed immediately” (Luke 8:47)

She was obviously desperate for a healing, and she forced her way through the crowd to touch Him. That kind of faith is good, and Jesus didn’t scold her for not first getting permission. “The kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force” (Matthew 11:12). The Syrophoenician woman was another example of faith that doesn’t ask permission. Even when Jesus essentially compared her to a dog, she responded, “‘Yes, Lord, yet even the little dogs eat the crumbs which fall from their masters' table.’ Then Jesus answered and said to her, ‘O woman, great is your faith! Let it be to you as you desire.’ And her daughter was healed from that very hour” (Matthew 15:27-28).

Learn from these women! Only desperate people forsake all for Christ.

Giving Christ absolute control of your life is an act of desperation. “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple … whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple” (Luke 14:26-33).

Most people who repeat a salvation prayer don’t hate their life enough to be willing to forsake all for Christ. 90% of people who pray, “I want to trust You as Savior and follow You as Lord”, never exhibit any Biblical evidence of regeneration and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. If you’re in this group, it’s not too late!

Pray that He supernaturally changes you from a sinner into a saint. The way you know you’re on the right track, is if you’re willing to do whatever He asks. If you think you can make a deal with Him, you’re still far from the Kingdom of God. For more on this subject, click here.