“And behold, a woman of Canaan came from that region and cried out to Him…But He answered her not a word” (Mt 15:22-23).
It is evident that at no time in the progress of this experience did Jesus mean to refuse this woman’s plea. His cold silence was not denial. His apparent refusal was not rejection. He delayed for wise reasons. His treatment of the woman from beginning to end was for the training of her faith.…At the last He commended the woman, as He commended few other people in all His ministry!…When God does not seem to answer, He is drawing us nearer to Himself.
Ofttimes our unanswered prayers mean more of blessing to us than those that are answered. The lessons set for us in them are harder—but they are greater, richer lessons. It is better for us to learn the lesson of submission and trust than it is to get some new sweet joy which adds to our present comfort. Whether, therefore, He speaks or is silent, He has a blessing for us! —J.R. Miller