Faith and Humility

Monday, October 20

Mark 5:22-24 (NIV)

“Then one of the synagogue leaders, named Jairus, came, and when he saw Jesus, he fell at his feet. He pleaded earnestly with him, “My little daughter is dying. Please come and put your hands on her so that she will be healed and live.” So Jesus went with him. A large crowd followed and pressed around him.”

Devotion

Jairus sought out Jesus for his daughter’s healing. His desperation was heard and seen when he fell at Jesus’ feet, crying out to Him, “My daughter is dying. Please come.” It was with humility that Jairus fell at Jesus’ feet, as he was a powerful man and leader in the synagogue. Jesus went with him. Jairus continued with, “Put your hands on her so that she will be healed and live.” Not only was it an act of faith that he sought out Jesus, but also in his declaring that Jesus’ touch would bring his daughter healing and life. Jairus was not concerned about the crowd of people around Jesus. He directed his full attention to the Healer and to pleading for Jesus to act on his daughter’s behalf.

When was the last time that you asked Jesus to come along with you through a crisis? Through one of life’s struggles? In a time of great despair? Perhaps it is easier to ask Him in those situations rather than everyday events. When things are out of our hands, we are more likely to ask God to intervene.

Have you asked Jesus to come along with you in the situation that you are facing right now? He promised to be with us always as believers (Matthew 28:20: “And lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.”), and He acknowledges our invitation to walk with us by coming alongside to be a part of every situation that we face. He brings to each situation what we need most, such as hope, healing, deliverance, the miracle of life, and discipline, to name a few things. He walks with us through the valleys as well as the everyday normalcy of whatever we might call our “usual days.”

Another example where faith and humility are seen is the Roman centurion who approached Jesus concerning his servant who needed healing. The centurion, also a powerful man of great authority, declared that he was not worthy to have Jesus come under his roof but said, “Only say the word, and my servant will be healed” (Matthew 8:5–13). Both Jairus and the centurion were noted for their great faith and for their humility. Jesus responds to faith and humility in His people and wants to act on our behalf. We can trust in Him, as He is able, and He answers our prayers whether the situation we face is as grave as a person on their sickbed or in an everyday event. If you do not know Christ, won’t you ask Him today to come and bring His healing touch to your life today?

Today's Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the example of Jairus and his faith and the kindness of Jesus to him and his daughter. I confess that I am often more like the mourners wailing loudly and laughing at the thought of Jesus showing up to heal. Increase my faith to ask and keep on asking, seek and keep on seeking, knock and keep on knocking and not give up. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Apply It Today

Pastor Franklin encouraged us to make room for Jesus rather than giving in to despair in crisis. Make room in time—take time to pray and wait for His response before rushing forward. Make room in the atmosphere—silence negative voices and thoughts, and worship God instead. Make room in your heart—believe that Jesus is for you and trust that He will act for your good, in concert with the Father’s will.

Resources

• Yesterday’s message “Fear Makes Noise, Faith Makes Room” was powerful! If you missed it, take time to watch and let faith quiet every fear.
• Make this your declaration this week: "I believe; help my unbelief".