Persistent Faith

Luke 8:40-56

Persistence is often a quality that leaders and successful people possess. We all experience failure, disappointment, and we each endure suffering. The question is not if these things will happen in life, but rather what will we do when they happen. Persistence requires endurance and hope; endurance to withstand long-term discomfort and pain and hope to always believe something more is possible.

We see persistent faith in both Jairus and the woman in their interaction with Jesus. Jairus is a leader in the local synagogue and, unlike other religious leaders who refuse to believe Jesus, he deeply believes that Jesus can heal his dying daughter. He begs Jesus, falling on his feet, to heal his daughter. He was persistent and willing to do whatever it took to save his daughter. On the way to see her, the crowd pressed in on Jesus and a woman, who had been bleeding for 12 years, touched his clothes and was immediately healed. She not only believed Jesus could heal her, but that by simply touching him she would be healed. She also believed, after twelve years of suffering, that she could be healed. She had spent everything she had trying to get better. Doubtless she had agonized over her condition and considered giving up. And yet she persisted and believed she could be healed. Jesus blesses her and praises her: "daughter your faith has made you well; go in peace." (Luke 8:48) When they finally arrive at Jairus' house this daughter has already died. But now it is Jesus who persists. He tells the parents that she is not dead but only sleeping. He commands her to get up: "child, get up" (8:54) and she is revived. Jesus is moved by the persistent faith of Jairus on behalf of his daughter and the woman, that he refuses to give up. He heals the child, bringing her back from the dead, and restores her to her family.

The life of faith is not an easy path. Our faith does not exempt us from suffering or hardship. Faith does however provide the ultimate hope that God will redeem and restore all things and that our pain and suffering will not be the last word. Deep and real hope gives us the strength to endure, the persistence to carry on, and the belief that God is making all things new.