Mark 5:35-36
While he was still speaking to her, messengers arrived from the home of Jairus, the leader of the synagogue. They told him, “Your daughter is dead. There’s no use troubling the Teacher now.”
But Jesus overheard them and said to Jairus, “Don’t be afraid. Just have faith.”
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
“It ain’t over til it’s over!”* On November 30, 2013, the No. 1-ranked University of Alabama Crimson Tide and No. 4-ranked Auburn University Tigers met to play the “Iron Bowl”… an in-state football rivalry. With one second left on the clock, Alabama attempted a 57-yard field goal to win the game. The kick was a miss that Auburn Tiger Chris Davis returned 100 yards to win the game, 34-28. It was a historical finish… one that sportscasters will talk about for decades… and one that has caused many people – myself included – to recognize that there is always hope… even in a football game!
And so we come to this scripture passage from Mark where a young girl has died, and the people are essentially saying, “There is no need to turn to Jesus… it’s too late.” And the simple yet profound response from Jesus is that… “It is NEVER too late for Me!”
I have a little desktop book of quips and quotes that I flip the page each day…and for today, it said, “May the dazzling rays of the sunshine of God’s love reach through the clouds of your life and brighten up your skies.” This expression of hope truly captures the essence of Christian faith. No matter the “clouds of your life”… no matter how dismal and hopeless things appear, it is never too late with Jesus! Nothing is settled… nothing is finished…His love, grace, mercy, forgiveness – and yes, HOPE… are eternal!
Many people need to hear this today. For several - perhaps even YOU - there seems to be one second left on the clock and you are facing a seemingly insurmountable 100-yard, last-ditch effort. And I am here to tell you that because of Jesus, all hope is not lost. So won’t you spend a few minutes in prayer and communication with God… reaching out to Him and asking Him to fill you with hope where perhaps you have none? Ask God to meet you on the “playing field of life” and give you the wisdom and courage for that last-second play…to fill you with hope in your darkest hour… to reach through the clouds of your life and brighten your skies with His incredible love.
With God, anything truly is possible…if only you will trust Him. Do you have hope and faith in Him today?
©2013 Debbie Robus
*Quote attributed to Yogi Berra
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