Yesterday we met a man who pleaded with Jesus to come and raise his daughter from the dead. We can imagine the panic a father would feel hearing the last rattled breath of his child. This father did not hesitate, but left as quickly as possible to find Jesus.
We heard his words, “My daughter has just died, but come and lay your hand on her and she will live.” Jesus turns and starts to follow him to his house. If you were the girl’s father, can you imagine the frustration you would feel when Jesus stops following you to carry on a conversation? Someone has just touched him and he wants to know who it is (Mathew 9:20-22; Mark 5:24-34). But we do not hear the father say a word. He waits patiently.
No sooner had this happened than some of the father’s friends found him. Their lack of faith is obvious when they say to him, “Look, you need to face reality. Your daughter is dead. Why bother the teacher?” This is the only time we see the father struggle with his faith. We know this because of Jesus' words to him, “Don’t be afraid, just believe” (Mark 5:36).
The father’s faith is immediately restored and follows all of Jesus’ instructions. His faith pays off; Jesus raises the man’s daughter from the dead (Mathew 9:23-25; Mark 5:36-42).
God specializes in the impossible. There may be delays along the road, but keep your faith in God. He will accomplish what he needs to do in your life (Psalm 138:8).
