Hope & Quill Co.

Jairus stood there.

In Mark chapter five, he besought Jesus greatly. He did what he was supposed to do and brought his urgent need to the Lord. He even fell down and worshipped in sincerity—surely Jesus would make his daughter whole—no doubt Jesus would answer his request.

Jairus is soon filled with hope as Jesus turns to go to his house. It seemed like his worry would soon be assuaged.

But seemingly, out of nowhere, this woman with an issue of blood brings Jesus to a halt. The scriptures do not give any details about Jairus during what some consider the intermission of Jairus’ miracle. But he undoubtedly felt a twinge of concern when Jesus pauses to ask who touched Him.

Did Jesus forget that Jairus had a daughter who was dying? Did He just not care? We know the answer is an astounding “no,” but how often do we wonder the same thing?

We come to Jesus with our burdens—the ones that weigh with heavy urgency—and God seems to move on our behalf. We begin to see Him working, but then our miracle seems to be stalled. Our once believing hearts begin to struggle with the “why” of it all.

No doubt, when those from Jairus’ household came running and announced his daughter’s death, Jairus’ heart caved. Jesus stopped to heal this other woman, knowing Jairus’ daughter was still in need. Jairus watches this miracle take place, all the while anxious to get back to his own daughter.

Then came the words from the doubters: “why troublest thou the Master any further?” Those of his household would have had Jairus forsake his faith because Jesus delayed his miracle. But Jairus does not say a word. He just stands beside Jesus—waiting.

Sometimes it seems the Lord is moving in our situation, but then the death blow comes. The progress we perceived to be happening no longer seems useful. And Satan comes along and whispers, “Why even pray? He doesn’t care.”

BUT

The story does not end for Jairus there in the street. As soon as the naysayers began trying to tear down Jairus’ faith, Jesus immediately looks at him and says, “Be not afraid, only believe.”

Had Jairus heeded those of his household, Jesus would have never made it to his daughter. But thankfully, Jairus takes comfort in Jesus and His words and continues beside Him all the way to where his daughter laid.

Our lives are no different than Jairus’. We all have burdens that are so heavy—prayers we’ve prayed in earnest. We’ve fasted, prayed, worshipped, given our cares to Him. In the beginning we’re hopeful, seeing His hand working in our situation. But then someone else gets their miracle—they get the pay raise, the boyfriend, the baby, the good report from the doctor, the lost loved one saved, and the list goes on. Others seem to see their prayers answered while you sit on the sidelines wondering why God hasn’t completed your request.

If we aren’t careful, those words “why bother?” flood our minds. We stop praying. We stop reading our Bible. We give up on worshipping. Maybe we continue sitting on the pew, but we’re just going through the motions because it’s the right thing to do.

During what feels like a pause in your miracle, abide like Jairus. Stay close to Jesus. Don’t let Satan and the doubters overwhelm your heart with “why troublest thou the Master any further?” His miracle for someone else is not a neglection of yours.

His delay is not denial. Stay for the intermission.