DO NOT GROW WEARY IN WAITING, NOR LOSE HOPE

Blessed be the name of our Lord Jesus Christ forever! Welcome once again as we reflect on the words of life.

Today, we will briefly look at the stories of two people: Jairus, a synagogue ruler, and a woman who had been suffering from a flow of blood for twelve long years, who was healed simply by touching the hem of Jesus’ garment.

There is something striking about these two individuals that I want you to notice—they each carried something deeply on their hearts.

Let’s read from Luke 8:40-44 (NKJV):

“So it was, when Jesus returned, that the multitude welcomed Him, for they were all waiting for Him. And behold, there came a man named Jairus, and he was a ruler of the synagogue. And he fell down at Jesus’ feet and begged Him to come to his house, for he had an only daughter about twelve years of age, and she was dying. But as He went, the multitudes thronged Him. Now a woman, having a flow of blood for twelve years, who had spent all her livelihood on physicians and could not be healed by any, came from behind and touched the border of His garment. And immediately her flow of blood stopped.”

Notice this: Jairus’s daughter was twelve years old and at the point of death, while the woman had suffered for twelve years with her illness. Scripture deliberately records these numbers. Why?

Jairus had only one daughter. Perhaps he had raised her through many struggles, hoping she would become his pride and joy in later years. Just as Jochebed saw the beauty of baby Moses and hid him because she knew God had a plan (Exodus 2:2), Jairus may have seen promise in his daughter’s life. Then, at age twelve, her health suddenly collapsed. Month after month, her condition worsened until she was at death’s door. Imagine Jairus’s inner turmoil: “Will I allow my only vision for the future to die at twelve years old, or will I fight for her life?” He refused to surrender his hope and set out to seek Jesus.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the crowd, there was a woman who had endured twelve years of bleeding. Her struggle had begun the very year Jairus’s daughter was born. Year after year—one, two, three, up to eleven—she spent all she had on doctors but was no better. Yet in the twelfth year, when she heard that Jesus was passing by, she said, “I will not let my long-awaited healing slip away; I must touch Him.” (Mark 5:28).

Both individuals made their journey to Jesus, and both received what they had long waited and fought for.

What can we learn today?

There comes a time when we must contend for the vision and calling God has placed in our hearts, even when opposition rises like a flood. The enemy may attempt to extinguish your God-given dreams, but do not allow them to die. Commit them to Jesus, who said: “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).

Some have already begun serving God but were derailed by fear, trials, or spiritual attacks. Do not allow the pain you have endured to be wasted. Remember, there are others still praying for what you already have, pressing on without giving up, trusting that Jesus will answer them.

The “twelve years” for Jairus’s daughter was not the same “twelve years” for the woman’s suffering—yet both encountered breakthrough at the feet of Jesus. In the same way, your present trials should not halt the ministry or purpose God has entrusted to you. “Let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart” (Galatians 6:9).

To overcome, we must press forward. Whether in ministry or any pursuit that aligns with God’s will, do not lose hope. Keep waiting on Him, for “those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength” (Isaiah 40:31).

May the Lord bless you richly. Shalom!