Pause

We struggle from time to time, wondering in the pain of the moment where God might be, wondering if God knows our situation, wondering if God cares.

Then suddenly, as though out of nowhere, our healing comes.

Pause now with anticipation, and with faith in what is possible.

Listen

While he was still speaking, some people came from the leader’s house to say, “Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the teacher any further?” But overhearing what they said, Jesus said to the leader of the synagogue, “Do not fear, only believe.” He allowed no one to follow him except Peter, James, and John, the brother of James.

Mark 5:35-37

Think

While Jesus was speaking with the woman who was immediately healed by him, Jairus received news that his daughter had already died. Jairus’ messengers instructed him not to bother “the teacher” any more, as if to say, “It’s too late.” Mark’s wording is important to note, as the messengers refer to Jesus as “teacher,” when clearly Jairus and the hemorrhaging woman believed Jesus to be not only a teacher but a healer.

Jesus, however, overheard the messengers and told Jairus, “Don’t be afraid. Keep trusting.” Jesus followed Jairus to his home. As Mark describes Jesus doing typically, Jesus kept his Messianic identity a secret, only allowing four of the disciples to journey with him. Yet even while Jesus’ full identity was unknown, his comforting response to a grieving and fearful father was very much understood. “Don’t be afraid. Keep trusting.”

May we also find comfort in Jesus’ words.

Ashley-Anne Masters

Pray

God of all comfort, fill me with your peace and encourage me to keep trusting even when I am filled with fear. Never stop speaking to me. Continue to tell me, “Don’t be afraid. Keep trusting.” I pray in the name of the One who comforts all people. Amen

Go

Go now with anticipation that God may, in the most surprising moment, bring to you the healing you seek, the wholeness you desire. May this be your prayer:

Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved; for you are my praise. (Jeremiah 17:14)