Late

“‘Do not fear, only believe.’” (Mark 5:36).

Raising of Jairus' Daughter (Paolo Veronese)

I have very often asked God for things and thought that it was essential that God delivered those things to me urgently.  And yet, very often God has either not provided me with the things that I asked for or has provided those things very late.

Sometimes, I have received the Grace to be able to understand what it is that God was doing when He caused a delay, and other times – most times – I have not.  Sometimes, I have received the Grace to be able to “let go” of my own will when it is apparent that God’s Will does not align with mine, but other times – most times – I have not.

I have been reflecting on the story of Christ raising the daughter of Jairus from the dead…

“A great crowd gathered about Jesus...Then came one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name; and seeing him, he fell at his feet, and besought him, saying, ‘My little daughter is at the point of death. Come and lay your hands on her, so that she may be made well, and live.’ And he went with him...While he was still speaking, there came from the ruler's house some who said, ‘Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?’ But ignoring what they said, Jesus said to the ruler of the synagogue, “‘Do not fear, only believe.’” (Mark 5:36).

Jairus went to Christ and yet it seemed that Christ was late – too late – to save his daughter.  Now, I imagine that situation as it was…  Christ was the Messiah.  Jairus knew that – he believed.  He believed this so much that he was willing to risk offending the teachers of the day – the people with influence – by seeking Christ out.  And he went out to find Christ.  There was no telephone, computer or internet.  He needed to go out on his own two feet and try to find this Man.  He had to speak to people or follow the crowds.  He had to jostle his way forward and put aside his trepidation and anxiety about asking this favour.  He had to disregard what others thought of him and his request.  There was no time for fear or embarrassment.  Jairus had to be brave…

And then – after all of this – Christ was too late…  His daughter died.  People came to him and told him so.  He knew that his daughter was dead.  He heard it and knew it.  And still he remained brave.  He listened to Christ who said, “‘Do not fear, only believe.’” And he did believe.  He believed enough to continue the journey.  He believed enough to walk back into the house.  He believed enough to stop the mourners from saying anything to Christ.  He believed enough to kick them out of the house…

It was not – in fact – too late at all.  It was perfect timing, more perfect than Jairus could ever have imagined.  The miracle that he had prayed for was not granted.  A FAR GREATER one was instead…

And THAT is why God is really never late – even when we cannot see it.  Because God’s miracles are bigger than anything that I could ever imagine…

For with prayer, I stand on Holy Ground where everything is clear. Here. At the Foot of the Cross.