Lesson: God's Timing

Mark 5:21-43

Two miracles are recorded in this passage of scripture.

• The healing of Jairus's daughter.
• The healing of the woman with the issue of blood.

5:22 - Jairus enlists the aid of Jesus for his daughter. (Jairus prayed)

• His daughter's condition was serious
• His daughter's condition was urgent
• His appeal for help was genuine and fervent.

5:24 - Jesus immediately began moving to respond to meet the need.

Please note the consistent use of the word shall in the preceeding verse, not the words might or may.

5:25 - Jesus is delayed by the woman in need of healing

• Her condition was serious
• Her condition was urgent
• Her appeal for help was genuine and fervent

Please note the commonality between the two situations.

5:30 - Jesus appears to be sidetracked.

5:35 - During the delay, the problem at Jairus's house got worse and appeared hopeless.

Why did Jesus allow the delay? Jairus had arrived first, and according to our way of thinking his problems should have been dealt with first. However, Jesus in his perfect undestanding of the situation knew the timing was not right. God will always do the right thing in the right time.

Please note, Jairus never left Jesus the entire time. Even thought the situation deteriorated and looked hopeless he stayed with Jesus and never gave up. Refer back to the notes on the use of the word shall above.

Other examples from scripture related to God's timing can be found when looking at the account of the death and raising from the dead of Lazarus (John 11:1-44) and the birth of Isaac (Gen 12:11; 21:5)

Never assume that God's seeming lack of activity implies a lack of concern on his part. He cares about our every concern and is interested in being involved in every aspect of our life. Sometimes his answer will be yes, at other times no, and sometimes it will be wait. However, he is our Heavenly Father and as such would never do anything that was not in our best interests.

In every case we must trust him to do what is best, even though we may not fully understand.

Copyright 1997 - Chuck Sprayberry - All Rights Reserved.