Reading: Psalm 13:1-6

Devotional: Sometimes, God's silence can feel deafening. In today's passage, David cries out, "How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever?" Like the Canaanite woman in Matthew 15, we may face moments when God seems distant or unresponsive. But remember, God's silence is not rejection—it's an invitation to deeper faith. Today, reflect on times when you've felt God was silent. How did you respond? Did your faith grow stronger? Consider how you can use these moments of perceived silence to draw closer to God, trusting that He is working even when we can't see or hear Him.

Reading: James 4:6-10

Devotional: The Canaanite woman's response to Jesus demonstrated remarkable humility. She didn't demand her rights or argue her worth; instead, she humbly accepted her position and still believed in Jesus' power to help. Today's reading reminds us that "God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble." Reflect on areas in your life where pride might be hindering your relationship with God. How can you cultivate a spirit of humility? Remember, true humility isn't thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less.

Prayer: Ask God to help you approach Him and others with the kind of humility that opens doors to His grace.

Reading: Luke 18:1-8

Devotional: Jesus' parable of the persistent widow teaches us the power of not giving up in prayer. Like the Canaanite woman who kept pressing her case before Jesus, we're encouraged to pray continually, even when answers seem delayed. Today, consider an area in your life where you've been tempted to give up praying. What would it look like to approach God with renewed persistence? Remember, persistence in prayer isn't about wearing God down, but about aligning our hearts with His will and timing.

Prayer: Ask God for the strength to keep knocking, seeking, and asking, trusting in His perfect timing.

Reading: Matthew 15:21-28

Devotional: The Canaanite woman's encounter with Jesus could have easily led to offense. Yet, her faith rose above potential insult, focusing instead on Jesus' power to help. In our walk with God, we may face situations that challenge our faith or tempt us to take offense. How do we, like this woman, keep our eyes fixed on Jesus? Reflect on a time when you felt hurt or offended in your spiritual journey. How might viewing that situation through the lens of faith change your perspective?

Prayer: Ask God to help you develop a faith that rises above offense, always trusting in His goodness and love.

Reading: Mark 8:1-10 

Devotional: Jesus' miracle of feeding the 4,000 reminds us that in God's economy, even the smallest amount can be more than enough. The Canaanite woman recognized this truth when she said, "Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master's table." Today, reflect on areas in your life where you feel you only have "crumbs." Maybe it's a small amount of faith, limited resources, or what seems like insignificant talents. Remember, in God's hands, these crumbs contain the same power and essence as the whole loaf. How can you offer your "crumbs" to God today, trusting Him to multiply them for His glory?

Prayer: Ask God to help you see the potential in what you have, rather than focusing on what you lack.

We encourage you to continue the discussion with a few friends within your HOW Church community!  Here's a short discussion guide based on Pastor Free's sermon "Don't Panic, it's Just an Open Book Test".

Opening Prayer: Begin your session with a prayer, asking God for wisdom and open hearts as you discuss the sermon.

Ice Breaker Question: Share a time when you faced a challenging "test" in your life. How did you respond?

Key Scripture: Matthew 15:21-28 (The Faith of the Canaanite Woman)

Discussion Questions:

1. The sermon mentions that God's tests are not always easy. How have you experienced this in your own life?
2. Discuss the concept of life being an "open book test." How does this perspective change the way you approach challenges?
3. The sermon outlines three main tests: silence, humility, and offense. Which of these do you find most challenging, and why?
4. How does the Canaanite woman's persistence inspire you in your own faith journey?
5. The pastor says, "Real faith is not praising God when he's blessing you immediately." How can we cultivate faith during times of waiting?
6. Reflect on the illustration of "power in the crumbs." How can this concept encourage us in our daily lives?

Key Takeaways:

1. Tests are designed to strengthen faith, prove integrity, and develop perseverance.
2. God's silence is not rejection but an invitation for our faith to grow stronger.
3. Humility and persistence are crucial elements of faith.
4. Sometimes, what seems like rejection from God is actually a test of our faith.
5. There's power even in the "crumbs" of God's blessings.

Practical Applications:

1. Open Book Exercise: Spend time this week intentionally "opening the book" (reading Scripture) when facing a challenge. Journal about how this impacts your response.
2. Crumb Gratitude: Each day this week, identify one "crumb" of blessing in your life and thank God for it.
3. Persistence Prayer: Choose one area where you've been waiting on God. Commit to praying about it daily this week, even if you don't see immediate results.
4. Humility Check: Reflect on areas in your life where pride might be hindering your faith. Ask God for help in cultivating humility.
5. Faith Sharing: Share with the group next week about a moment when you chose faith over offense or discouragement.

Closing Prayer: 
End your session by praying for each other, asking God for strength to pass the tests you're facing and for increased faith.

Remember: It's just a test, and God has already provided the answers in His Word and through His presence in our lives.