Before You Give Up…

Daily Devotional – December 8, 2023
Make room, for the girl is not dead but sleeping.
Matthew 9:24 (NKJV)

Jairus is mourning his daughter. Considering the special bond between fathers and their daughters, this ruler of the synagogue must be suffering. If only he had sought Jesus earlier, his daughter would be alive. Had the woman with the flow of blood not blocked the path of Jesus, there would be no mourning. Such thoughts flood Jairus’s mind.
 
It’s Not Over Yet
Finally, Jesus arrives. The grieving is in top gear, with professional mourners playing all sorts of musical instruments. Sadness engulfs the home like a thick crowd. Some people wonder why Jesus has to come at this hour, knowing He cannot make any difference. “It is too late now.” They murmur. “Let Him leave us to mourn and burry our dead.” (Matthew 9:24).
 
Jesus, though, has other plans. Jairus, his family, and the community have given up. Only Jesus has not. He directs, “Make room, for the girl is not dead but sleeping.” (Matthew 9:24). For a moment, a sarcastic laugh punctuates the dirges. Grievers conclude that the Rabbi from Nazareth is mocking them. Others think Christ is insane.
 
Before you Give Up
In resurrecting Jairus’ daughter, Christ proves that no situation is beyond His control. Where there was mourning, joy returns in torrents. Human beings have reached the end of their abilities. Jesus is only starting. In their moment of desperation, Jesus does the impossible and returns the little girl to them.
 
When you are about to give up, remember that Jesus is not limited like you. He still resurrects the noble dreams you buried a long time ago. Christ heals when doctors have given up. He reconciles broken families. When we have reached the end of our thoughts and efforts, we must continue trusting Him because He specializes in making the impossible possible.
 
Prayer
Dear Jesus, when I am about to give up, intervene and remind me that nothing is impossible with You.