Last time we saw Jesus on His way to Jairus the synagogue official’s house to heal his 12-year-old daughter, and on the way the bleeding woman touched His garment, and was healed. We’ll pick up the story in Mark 5:

Mark 5:35-36

35 While He was still speaking, (to the woman) they came from the house of the synagogue official, saying, "Your daughter has died; why trouble the Teacher anymore?"

36 But Jesus, overhearing what was being spoken, said to the synagogue official, "Do not be afraid any longer, only believe."

Jesus’ response is really interesting when you look at the original language. He says:

ME PHOBEO – this is actually in the passive voice, and a better translation would be “do not allow yourself to fear.” Remember, Jairus is a believer, and therefore he has the option to either fear or not to fear. The Lord always provides the solution when we are tempted to fear!

MONON PISTEUO – in the present active imperative tense, means “keep on believing!” He had enough faith to fall at the feet of Jesus in Mark 5:22, and make a request of Him. As Jesus is in the process of answering his request, his daughter dies.

What would the man do? Look at the present reality, or keep on believing in the one who is in control? Make no mistake about it: Jairus is being tested just like the disciples in the boat in the storm were!

What do you do in the face of a storm? Do you keep on believing, or do you allow yourself to fear? Faith in Jesus Christ as a person, and in His Word, will enable you to rest in any storm.

Here the man is tested with a report from those who have no hope. They basically say, “Your daughter has died, why trouble with the Teacher anymore?” They are saying, “This is beyond His control. He can’t do anything about it now.”

How many times have you faced that same attitude from others when you are committed to pray for something? To be honest, how often have you had that attitude toward people who are praying for something? It’s easy to look at the present storm or disaster, and let fear take over. But the Word of God tells us to do otherwise!

Jesus encourages Jairus when He says, “KEEP ON BELIEVING!” He lives to encourage the faith of those who trust in Him.

Luke’s account of this same story brings out something else:

Luke 8:50

50 But when Jesus heard this, He answered him, "Do not be afraid any longer; only believe, and she will be made well."

Jesus promises, she will be SOZO, or saved! Now comes the moment of truth for Jairus.

He needs to make a conclusion. “If the Lord said He would take care of my daughter, and He’s on the way to my house, then He is going to take care of her, because He promised.”

He has already trusted in the person of Jesus Christ for salvation, now He needs to trust in the WORDS of Jesus Christ. As we go through life, and things go wrong, the Lord will encourage your faith. But along the way He gives us promises in His Word for us to trust in along the way. Our command is to keep on trusting in His promises.

As a Christian, God will allow adversity and even tragedy to come in to your life. Think about this: just like the Lord healed the centurion’s son without going to him, He could have healed Jairus’ daughter without going to her! Instead, He allowed this test to come the way of Jairus.

The Lord will allow adversity in your life to make you have faith not only in Him, but in the promises He has made you in His Word. That’s how your faith grows!

Next time we’ll see Jesus fulfill His promise. (Not much of a surprise, is it!)