Keeping Faith Alive

prayer shawlWhile He spoke these things to them, behold, a ruler came and worshiped Him, saying, “My daughter has just died, but come and lay Your hand on her and she will live.” So Jesus arose and followed him, and so did His disciples. And suddenly, a woman who had a flow of blood for twelve years came from behind and touched the hem of His garment. For she said to herself, “If only I may touch His garment, I shall be made well.” But Jesus turned around, and when He saw her He said, “Be of good cheer, daughter; your faith has made you well.” And the woman was made well from that hour. When Jesus came into the ruler’s house, and saw the flute players and the noisy crowd wailing, He said to them, “Make room, for the girl is not dead, but sleeping.” And they ridiculed Him. But when the crowd was put outside, He went in and took her by the hand, and the girl arose. (Mat 9:18-25 NKJ)

But to you who fear My name The Sun of Righteousness shall arise With healing in His wings; And you shall go out And grow fat like stall-fed calves. (Mal 4:2 NKJ)

Two stories both requesting healing, both needing faith. First, the woman with the issue of blood.  She knew the prophetic word, that Messiah would come with healing in his wings.  The wings were the four longer tassels on a prayer shawl.  Even though she was ceremonially unclean, she pressed in. Jesus’ response in Luke was ‘who touched me?’ Crowds surrounded him, but only one person touched him expecting to receive something in return.

In the meantime, Jarius had come requesting Jesus come and lay hands on his sick daughter. Circumstances got in the way, and by the time Jesus arrived the daughter had died.  In Luke’s gospel we read, “Do not be afraid; only believe, and she will be made well.” When He came into the house, He permitted no one to go in except Peter, James, and John, and the father and mother of the girl. Now all wept and mourned for her; but He said, “Do not weep; she is not dead but sleeping.” And they ridiculed Him, knowing that she was dead. But He put them all outside, took her by the hand and called, saying, “Little girl, arise.”  55 Then her spirit returned, and she arose immediately.”  (Luk 8:50-55 NKJ)

Time is meaningless to God, just keep faith alive.

About Terry Threadwell

Dr. Terry Threadwell has thirty five years ministry experience. Author, educator and Director of the Institute of Progressive Pentecostal Studies.
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