I am reading the gospel of Mark with my daughter, and this past week we read the story of Jesus raising Jairus’s daughter from the dead. Jairus was a religious leader who was well respected in his community. If he had been comfortable and had accepted religiosity instead of the person of Jesus, he would have been lost. But God allowed his daughter to become sick, driving Jairus to the Lord for help. Jairus lays down his pride, his leadership position, his arrogance and self-sufficiency, and falls at the feet of Jesus, begging him to come heal his daughter. And Jesus meets him here, in this moment of desperation, with a miracle!
What a great place to be. Thank goodness for the problems that drive us to God. I am blessed with two perfect children who are spiritually mature for their ages beyond anything I could have hoped for them. August needed help overcoming his aspergers, and Natalie needed help overcoming her ADHD. They found that help through their faith, and I find myself watching them grow into these incredible young people with amazement and awe.
My son has a best friend named Zachary. Zachary was blessed to be born into a financially secure home. He also was given an above average intelligence, so many things in this life come easily to him. But he struggles with a more severe form of eczema that is very difficult for him to manage. His eczema surfaces quickly if he even sweats. He has approached his problem as many smart people do, with his intellect. He has researched naturopathic ways to control it with diet and essential oils. Although these are valid ways to treat this condition, I want to challenge him to begin praying about his troubles. Pray every single day without giving up like the persistent widow prayed (Luke 18:1-8), and see what the Lord will do for you. You will be amazed at how much he cares for you.