Keep Believing in the Waiting

Jairus came to Jesus because his daughter was dying. Every moment mattered. Then, on the way to his home, Jesus stopped to minister to someone else. Imagine the questions that might have filled that father's mind as the minutes passed. Waiting becomes especially difficult when the need is urgent.

When someone else receives the answer

Mark places the woman's healing within Jairus's story. The same crowd witnessed one person's restoration while another person waited. We can recognize that tension in our own lives. Someone else celebrates a breakthrough while our prayer remains unanswered. Their testimony can encourage us, but it can also expose a tender place in our hearts. We can bring that response honestly to God.

Listen for Jesus in the middle of the news

When the report arrived that Jairus's daughter had died, Jesus spoke to him: “Do not fear, only believe” (Mark 5:36). That invitation was personal and immediate. Jairus was being called to remain with Jesus even when the news seemed final. The passage directs our attention to the One walking beside him.

Stay connected while you wait

Waiting can tempt us toward isolation, bitterness, or resignation. This teaching invites us to keep reaching toward Christ and toward people who help us remember His faithfulness. We can pray with expectation, lament what hurts, and receive practical support. Christian hope makes room for tears and questions.

Your next faithful step

Write down the sentence that disappointment keeps repeating. Beside it, write a truth about Jesus that you can see in this passage. Ask a trusted person to pray with you this week. Your situation does not have to become your whole identity.

Pray

Lord, help me remain close to You in the waiting. Guard my heart from comparison and bitterness. Give me strength for today and courage to receive support. Amen.

Adapted from Pastor Niel Petersen’s teaching, Choosing Hope — Choices, Part 10.