Stepping Forward in Faith

And he said to her, "Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace." (Luke 8:40-56)

Jairus was probably used to being in control and solving problems. After all, he was the business administrator for the synagogue. Managing logistics and solving problems was part of his job description. However, in this passage, Jairus found himself facing a problem he could not solve on his own. He did not have the power or ability to save his dying daughter.

Facing the reality of his daughter's illness, Jairus fell at Jesus' feet, begging Jesus to come to his house and save his daughter. Jairus must have felt relief as they moved through the crowd, only to have that relief turned to frustration when their progress was halted because a woman touched the fringe of Jesus' cloak. We do not know how long Jairus had to wait. Still, I imagine his feelings were of loss and grief when news arrived, saying, "Your daughter is dead; do not trouble the Teacher anymore." Only to then feel a spark of hope when Jarius heard Jesus say, "Do not fear; only believe, and she will be well." Talk about conflicting messages! Jairus was faced with a decision. Should he listen to the logic of the world telling him he had failed, and the situation was hopeless, or should he listen to Jesus and continue forward in faith?

Just a few minutes before, Jairus heard Jesus tell the woman that touched his cloak that she was healed because of her faith. Jairus personally witnessed healing that was beyond the power of the many doctors and healers the woman had previously consulted, a miracle that had only one explanation—faith in Jesus. Maybe that is what gave Jairus the confidence to press onward even though the world told him all hope was lost. Jairus stepped forward in faith. He took Jesus to his house anyway, and his daughter's health was restored.

Today, we often face the same decision—do we listen to the world, or do we step forward in faith? We can learn from Jairus and remember what we have experienced and know to be true about God so that our faith is bolstered, and we can step forward in confidence.

LET US PRAY - Heavenly Father, how thankful we are that Your thoughts are not our thoughts and Your ways are not our ways. When we face times of uncertainty and desperation, help us tune out the messages of the world that threaten to overwhelm us and instead focus on You. In Jesus' name. Amen.