Passage of the Day:
While Jesus was still speaking, some people came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue leader. “Your daughter is dead,” they said. “Why bother the teacher anymore?” 36 Overhearing[c] what they said, Jesus told him, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.” 37 He did not let anyone follow him except Peter, James and John the brother of James. 38 When they came to the home of the synagogue leader, Jesus saw a commotion, with people crying and wailing loudly. 39 He went in and said to them, “Why all this commotion and wailing? The child is not dead but asleep.” 40 But they laughed at him. After he put them all out, he took the child’s father and mother and the disciples who were with him, and went in where the child was. 41 He took her by the hand and said to her, “Talitha koum!” (which means “Little girl, I say to you, get up!”). 42 Immediately the girl stood up and began to walk around (she was twelve years old). At this they were completely astonished. 43 He gave strict orders not to let anyone know about this, and told them to give her something to eat, Mark 5:35-43.
Reflection:
After eating my lunch at work, I usually scan the news on my phone to see what’s happening in the world. While many news sites highlight bizarre circumstances to draw in more readers, this world is filled with unexpected deaths. As adults, children and the elderly leave home today, some may never return like the former fire chief at Trump Rally last Saturday. Whether this is due to an abduction, car crash, mysterious illness or shark attack, there will be unforeseen circumstances that will happen that will bring you to your knees. One Saturday afternoon, less than a week after Mother’s Day, I received a call from my mom revealing that you father suddenly passed away. This is when your faith will be tested.
Prayerful Action:
As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. 2 His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” 3 “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him, John 9:1-3.
Working Out Your Salvation:
As you struggle to figure out, “why is this happening to me,” always remember Jesus’ insight to His disciples. Before healing a man blind from birth, Jesus reveals that sometimes God allows certain things to occur. In the end, severe circumstances give the Lord an opportunity to display the power of the Holy Spirit. This resurrection power touched upon by one of Jesus’ disciples in 2 Peter 1:3-4 is a blueprint to follow when circumstances bring you to your knees. While I’m still struggling to cope with the passing of my father, lean on the Holy Spirit to get you through each day.
Song of the Day:
When extreme circumstances rock my world, this is one of the songs I turn to for encouragement. May the lyrics of Never Too Far Gone shine light into your circumstances where hope seems so far away.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 