We may wonder what thoughts filled the heart of Jairus as the report came to him from his house saying his daughter was dead. He had gone to the Lord Jesus knowing He was able to heal his daughter. The Lord had set off on the journey to his home. But there was a delay. Another need had come to light, a woman who was in desperate need of help. For twelve years she had sought for help from physicians, but none could help. As the Lord passed by, she saw the opportunity to at last be healed. Just by touching the hem of His garment, she was made whole. What power is available in the Son of God! The Lord called her out from the crowd, and told her that her faith had made her whole. How wonderful that His power is accompanied by such words of grace!

Did Jairus resent the delay or grow impatient? We do not know, but we each know how our own hearts often respond to delays. But from the Lord’s words to him, it would appear that his hopes had perished when the news came of his daughter’s death. He believed that the Lord Jesus was able to heal, and had witnessed it firsthand with the woman who had touched the hem of His garment. But who could deal with the power of death?

“Fear not; only believe,” were the Lord’s words to him. What? Was there still hope where all seemed hopeless? Yes, for the blessed One who was coming to Jairus’ aid was not just a healer, but the Son of God Himself, the One who is the resurrection and the life (Jn. 11:25), and the One who could say to Jeremiah, “Behold I am Jehovah … is there anything too hard for Me?” (Jer. 32:27). Are you in what appears to be a hopeless situation? Have you grown discouraged because of delays? Remember that the One who raised Jairus’ daughter is still the same today (Heb. 13:8)!