I once thought that the only lesson to take away from Jairus's story was that when God takes long to fulfill His promise or a petition, it's because the answer coming will be exceedingly and abundantly more than we could have asked or imagined. While this remains a key takeaway, the Lord kindly provided additional insight to me last year.
Jairus was a synagogue leader whose daughter fell ill and he pleaded with Jesus to come heal her (Luke 8:41-42). Jesus went with Him but a large crowd gathered around Him. The sheer size slowed Jesus down and they likely were unaware that a girl's life hung in the balance waiting for Christ to save her. Some wanted a miracle or hoped to see something great happen. One such person was the woman with the issue of blood. Her miraculous healing forced Jesus to stop and spend time seeking out who'd touched his robe and then speak to the woman in question (Luke 8:43-48).
Luke 8:49 - While He was still speaking, someone arrived from the house of the synagogue leader. “Your daughter is dead,” he told Jairus. “Do not bother the Teacher anymore.” Before Jairus could react or speak, however, Jesus reassured him, saying, “Do not be afraid; just believe, and she will be healed” (Luke 8:50). When Jesus got to the house, there were mourners there -- all part and parcel of Jewish tradition when people die. These same people laughed dismissively at Jesus when He told them the girl wasn't dead but asleep (Luke 8:52-53). All it took was for Him to take her hand and say, “Child, get up!” and she got up.
Here are some take aways from Jairus's encounter with Jesus: When we call on Jesus, He starts coming to solve the problems we face. Time will likely pass between the request and His arrival but just as He didn't tell Jairus no, He won't tell us no either. That means, your miracle is on its way once you pray. Like Jairus, we have to patiently wait for the Savior to deal with whatever else He needs to deal with on the way to addressing our issue. Whatever it is will build our faith and bless us. Seeing the woman healed is likely what stopped Jairus from anxiously grabbing Jesus by the arm and shoving everyone out of the way to get to his child.
Remember how someone came from Jairus's house to say his daughter was dead? This was a person he was familiar with and would believe. The devil wanted to use them to deliver a bad report that would deflate the very faith that spurred Jairus to seek Jesus's help in the first place. Also, the mourners waiting at the house were part of that same scheme - meant to cement the fact that the girl was dead so that fear, and not faith, would take over Jairus's heart.
See all the things satan did to challenge Jairus's faith and make him doubt the power Jesus carried? The devil is doing the same to each one of us. Yet, Christ wants us to remember the very same thing He said back then - “Do not be afraid; just believe...” If Jairus had bowed to all the stunts of the enemy, he would have missed out on a miracle that, thousands of years later, continues to edify believers. We have to ignore all the physical signs that tell us the opposite of what God is saying. We have to believe that what is happening in the spiritual world is more powerful than anything in the physical realm.
Glory be to God, that He is the God who can show up 'late' and will still be on time. Death was not a hindrance to His power and so, nothing can stand in the way of God's restorative and transformative power. If you believe in the Lord and ask aright, then your miracle is already on its way. We have to stand firm even when we hear/see that the worst has supposedly happened, having faith and believing that Christ is walking right into that problem to speak His life into it.
FINAL MESSAGE
Abba, I join my sisters today in prayer and ask that You grant all righteous requests according to Your will. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
SHARE YOUR TESTIMONY
Give God glory by sharing what He's done for you or someone in your life.
We have a thread titled Let's share our testimonies to His glory... and its goal is to document what God has done for His people.
We are instructed to share our testimony as believers. In fact, doing so allows us to overcome satan according to Revelation 12:11 - They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.
Be sure to share testimony in the Testimony Gala | The Miracle Alley..
From PBS - Thank you Jesus for another day—we are grateful that You are the author and perfecter of our faith.
When we ignore and rebuke the distractions AND keep our eyes on You, we will always get the answer and the victory!
Thank you Lord for the example of Jairus’ response AND actions to the tests of fear, doubt, worry, grief, and lack of faith. Surely, greater is He that is within he and us, than he/the enemy that is in the world.
When that ‘he’ used family, friends, experts and naysayers—God instead showed the Way, the Truth, and the Life!!!
Glory to You, Lord!!! Thank you for revelation knowledge!!!
Thank You for TRUST AND FAITH!!! :heart:
‘Father, in the Name of Jesus, we thank You that You have not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, sound mind, self control, and discipline (sound judgment). Therefore, we declare that we are not ashamed of the testimony of our Lord. We have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but we have received a spirit of adoption as sons and daughters, by which we cry out, “Abba! Father!”
When we are afraid, we will put our confidence in You. Yes, we will trust Your promises. And since we trust You, what can mere man do to us? The peace You give isn’t fragile like the peace the world gives. We cast away troubled thoughts, and we choose not to be afraid. We believe in God!
Lord, You are our Light and our Salvation; You protect us from danger — whom shall we fear? When evil men come to destroy us, they will stumble and fall! Yes, though a mighty army marches against us, our hearts shall know no fear when tempted to be afraid. We will trust in our God.
In the name of Jesus we pray, amen.’
CLOSING PRAYER
Thanks to everyone for taking the time to participate in this week's Praise and Pray. I hope to see you on Friday and may God bless you richly.
God, I'm grateful for everyone who swung by and will click into this thread. I pray for Your mercy and blessings upon their lives and that you will open the windows of heaven to overwhelm them in your favor and goodness. In the name of my savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
Psalm 20:4 - May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed.
From M22 - God bless you sis @FFJ and fellow Peppers. All your messages concerning the waiting season gave me strength today. I am just recovering from malaria and unexpected fatigue. I find peace knowing I am part of this community and no matter my struggles I can channel it into interceding for others. It's keeps me going when I lose the will to.
From M22 - Thank you Abba for being our strength in weakness. Thank you for constantly transforming us each waking day as we draw closer to you. Thank you Abba that we can rest in you. Thank you Abba that we can run and not be weary, we can walk and not be faint. We bless you Mighty Father! Amen.
From CMC - Thank you Father, for when I pray I do not always know what to say. Thank you that I don’t have to get the words exactly right to talk to you. Because you know me and love me, you can hear my heart.
Can I ask for you all to pray for my aunt. She has been looking for a job for a long time now and it’s weighing heavy on her. I pray that she will find the right place for her and that she will be successful in her life.
LAST 10 MINUTES
Fear and disbelief give the devil room to fight what God is doing for us. Jairus isn't the only one who had to wait for Jesus to show up. Lazarus had to as well. He was dead for 4 days but when Christ showed up, He sent death packing!
It isn't easy, the waiting, I mean. Yet, waiting is a part of God's training for His children. Once we declared Him Lord over our lives, we signed up for the Waiting School, a school where we learn patience, faith, perseverance. A place where we learn not to budge from our victory so the enemy can't steal it from us.
Never forget that Jairus listened to Jesus when He said *"Don't be afraid. Just believe."* When we do the same, we will surely testify to God's glory because when we called out for help, our miracle was on the way.
Thank You, Father, that no matter what things look like You know the reality. Thank You that no matter how late it may seem, You have the solution to solve the problem. Thank You God that our faith, combined with Your deep compassion leads to miracles.
God of justice, I invoke Your covenant name El Gibbor to cry out to You to send angel armies to break through injustice and bring forth the resources that the needy are asking for. God, see those in positions of power who are withholding what is good from those who qualify for it. Jehovah Jireh, send forth "help from Your sanctuary" to meet all the needs of Your people as You have promised. In Jesus name, amen.
From M22 - Thank you Abba for my siblings. Thank you Abba for your transformation within them in this season. Thank you Abba for making their hearts your home. I pray that they will continue to seek you and follow your precepts. I pray that you will supply all of their needs through your glorious riches IJMN. Amen.
YHWH Ropheka, You are the almighty God of healing! Elevate Your sons and daughters with disabilities. Pour Your restorative power upon them. Drench them with Your healing grace. Bless them with supernatural abilities and mighty miracles! Let them know they are loved and that they matter to You and the world. Cover them with your love, compassion, and protection, and eliminate the cruel stigma towards them. We have seen how Your mighty hand moves in Your power and sovereignty, therefore In Jesus' name we command the inflicted to be made whole, for Your glory and namesake! To You be all honour and praise, Amen!
From M22 - Abba I pray for sis @FFJ . Thank you for consistently increasing her in wisdom, knowledge, understanding, clarity and discernment to share your word with us. I pray that you will continue to bless her, her family, her businesses, her interests. IjMN amen.
Father, You have pledged to be not just a father but a good one to all who would let You Father them.
You have been outspoken about Your love for Your sons and daughters and have regaled them with love letters in the Bible. You have called them the apple of Your eye, Your jewels, and so much more.
Thank You for such intense love.
I pray that the weapons used by satan to cause people to forget how precious they are to You, are crushed to dust, IJMN, Amen. I pray that every word spoken over Your children that caused them to forget that they were foreknown and predestined, is destroyed today, IJN, Amen. I pray that every traumatic incident, every act of disloyalty and pain that caused them to close their hearts and refuse to see the love You have for them, is healed by the stripes of Jesus Christ.
Thank You, Jehovah Ropheka. Thank You, Jehovah Rohi. Thank You, the God who saves and loves beyond measure.
Glory be to Your name, Amen!
Dear God of our miracle, I call on You in Your mighty power to work great works that my fellow Peppers will see and praise You for. In Jesus name, amen
From M22 - Thank you Abba for helping us consistently intercede on behalf of others even despite our imperfections and struggles. Thank you Abba for strengthening and expanding our community. Thank you Abba! Amen
From M22 - Abba I pray that you dismantle every trafficking, kidnapping and terrorism ring across the world. I pray that you release every person in captivity to freedom. I pray that you expose and disgrace individuals behind these syndicates. I pray Abba that you put an end to their reign of terror IjMN amen
Good God, You are the Almighty. Nobody compares to You. Father, thank You for hearing my prayer for people that they come to a knowledge of You as You promised in Jeremiah 24:7. Thank You for giving people a desire for You. Thank You for whetting their appetites for more of You. Thank You for letting hearts clamor for You. Thank You for kindly pouring out Your Spirit on all mankind in accordance with Your word in Joel 2:28. Be glorified, Lord our Redeemer.
Now and forever more, IJMN, Amen.
From M22 - Abba I pray that your permanent healing power radiates the bodies of every sick person. I pray that you will perfect their healing beyond drugs, surgeries and other procedures. I pray that you will coordinate the eyes and hands of operating surgeons to carry out successful surgeries IJMN amen.
You are the Lord, that is Your name.
You will never share Your glory with anybody.
Almighty God, that is Your name.
Hallelujah!!!
From M22 - Thank you Abba for every Pepper online and offline. I bless you for seeing us through each waking day. Your word in Proverbs 16:9 says we make our plans, your order our steps. I pray that you will continue to guide and direct us in every aspect of our lives IJMN amen!
Glory be to You Heavenly Father. You are He who created all things and with just a word the world came to be.
Lord, we call on You to once again speak a word for those who are waiting on You for their marital destiny. Lord, guide Your children into Your marital will and purpose for their lives. Father shield them from the counterfeits. I decree that every counterfeit will be blinded just as the Aramean army was blinded when they came looking to attack Prophet Elisha (2 Kings 6).
God, with a word, direct and position Your children for Your perfect will for them (Romans 12:2). That they will join with equally yoked and holy spouses, birth and raise godly offspring, and serve in the ministry of marriage for Your glory and by Your grace, IJMN, Amen.
From M22 - Thank you Abba for helping us consistently intercede on behalf of others even despite our imperfections and struggles. Thank you Abba for strengthening and expanding our community. Thank you Abba! Amen
PRAYER TIME
It is now time to petition the Lord on behalf of others.
You've taken the time to praise and worship and have thus entered His presence as stated in Psalm 100:4. DON'T WASTE THE OPPORTUNITY YOU NOW HAVE.
Put your needs to the side and lift up people in prayer.
Not sure what to pray about? Have you watched the news recently? Pray about something you saw. Inflation is eating into people's pockets around the world. Violence (hidden and overt) is destroying communities and families.
Pray for godly leadership. Call on God to help those in need. Think of something someone mentioned as a need here in P&P and ask God to do what only He can do.
Sometimes, it might seem like God is answering your prayers for others and not satisfying the desires of your heart as quickly. Do you know Joseph felt that way as a slave in Egypt? David pleaded with God over and over for help and he had to wait but when God came through, David became king. Both men served others faithfully.
In essence, you are in good company, especially if you serve as an intercessor. So, please, don't stop tarrying for others in prayer.
From CallMeCheeks - Hey God Squad ! Lol
Thanking Him for making it through another day. Just when I think I can’t make it… I snap back into reality. My heart has been so full lately, reading my Bible and writing my thoughts. His words are so beautiful and I am so glad that I am his daughter. I pray you guys have a fulfilling and blessed week!
God, I thank You that You are my healer. I thank You that today, I can stand on the promise of Your word that You are my healer. I thank You that during my healing, You are with me. That You have never left me nor forsaken me and I can find restoration in You. I pray you expand my understanding of You as a healer. I believe in miraculous healing physically, mentally, and spiritually in my life and the lives of those around me. It is in Jesus’ name I pray, amen!
Thank You Abba for Your provisions and sustenance, thank You taking care of my needs. I am grateful for each and everything You do for me and mine. All praise and glory belong to You! Amen!
Great God! How excellent are Your ways.
Thank You God for moving in our midst. Grateful for the mercies I have witnessed and experienced. Grateful for how You have saved and renewed me. Your grace has helped me. Your name has made me great. Your love has refreshed me. Your kindness has humbled me.
Lord, You are my God. The one to whom I pledge my life and that of my family (Psalm 119:57). Thank You for putting the enemy to shame over and over again. Thank You for never waiting on me to move for my good.
You are my God. From now till the end of time.
Thank You for telling me, "You are mine!" (Isaiah 43:1)
From M22 - Thank you Abba for your promise in Matthew 11:28-30. Thank you Abba that we can find out rest in you. Glory, Glory be to you Heavenly Father! Amen.
Lord, Your daughters @Mimzy22 and @AlexisC pointed us to the Savior's compassion today.
I take this opportunity to thank You for being so compassionate toward the human race.
Thank You for Your compassion toward those of us gathered today.
Thank You for all that Your compassion means and does for us.
Isaiah 54:10 - Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the LORD, who has compassion on you.
Hosannah in the highest!
Thank You Father for wanting me. Thank You for putting me first. Thank You for making me special and in Your image. Thank You for filling my lungs with Your breath. Thank You for giving me Your word in the Bible. Thank You for not depriving me of any good gift.
Thank You, good God for everything!
God, thank You.
When we have You, we have everything.
Glory be to You always!
PRAISE TIME
When you realize that your prayers have Jesus moving already, you've got to get happy!!!
Satan's plan is and forever will be to steal, kill, and destroy your life. However, Jesus showed up and said "Not today!"
Jesus is telling all of us to remember that He's walking into our problems. Regardless of what things look like and what others say, the Savior is ready to put His foot on the serpent's neck.
Don't know about you, but I know Jesus has my back and is fighting my battles. He has made me glad! So, I'm going to get to praising God for His Son and for the gift of the Holy Spirit!
Please join me in praising for the next 25 minutes.
Jehovah Jireh I won’t stop believing
I believe that the same God who raised Lazarus from the dead
The same God who caused Jehoshaphat and his army to triumph
The same God who delivered the three Hebrew boys
Is the same God who can excel me, expand me, accelerate me
I won’t stop believing
Amen Amen! I’m so grateful for today’s inspiring message and your insightful reflections. We had a discussion about Jairus recently and you opened my eyes to his central role in the story, and since then I have read that passage many times over and it always fills me with joy and renewed hope. Thank you for blessing us with this beautiful and powerful word today, Sis. Glory to God!
Jesus, we praise You for Your irrepressible compassion and tenderness and for being so rich in mercy and grace! Thank You for reminding us that even when You are not in a hurry, You are never late, for You are always on time. Thank You for teaching us that insistence and persistence, combined with belief produce miracles. May You help us to obey Your command to” keep believing” while we await Your miracles and to trust You in all things and with all things beyond our human understanding. With hope and faith In Your name, we pray, Amen
From sis OD - Lord this message is for me… i needed to hear this today. God thank you for always being on time. Thank you for reminding us to trust and believe in your plan for us. It's of good and not evil.
From AW - Good morning Peppers!
As always @FFJ, thanks for the good word.
I'm about to get knee-deep in this schoolwork, so unfortunately I can't join y'all live. So I'm about to "drop off" my praise.:LOL:
Father God, help me find peace and contentment in this waiting period. Remind me that while I may not see immediate results, your plans always unfold according to Your divine will. As I wait for my blessings, may my faith in Christ grow stronger each day. Grant me the patience to wait without wavering, knowing that you are faithful and will fulfill your promises in due time. IJMN, Amen!
From CookieDoe - This is such an amazing adage and reminds of a conversation my son and I had recently. He is in school pursuing his degree, Praise God he is attending a Christian college!! His current class is World Religion and one of the questions they dealt with last week was does God test us? My answer to him was, it depends on who you ask. I went on to explain to him that I don't believe God "tests" us in the way tends to comprehend a test, but rather He (God) gives us the opportunity, free will, to continue to decide to follow Him and His command (Do not be afraid, just believe) or to follow the world / enemy's promptings...whose report will you believe??
Me personally?? I chose to trust God in all things at all times and when those thoughts of question, doubt, uncertainty arise, I take those thoughts captive and cast them down and make them obedient to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5). I chose God daily, over and over, especially when worldly ways appear easier~~that is when I lean in the hardest!!
Peace the world did not give me, nor can it take it away...only I can give it away!! Read that again
From EC - -Amen and good morning ladies!
From M22 - Thank you Abba for another beautiful fellowship day. Thank you for your grace, mercy and forgiveness over our lives. Thank you for life, mobility, the air in our lungs, bodily functions, shelter, protection, provision, your love, kindness, faithfulness, goodness, peace, joy, patience and generosity. We exalt you Mighty God! Amen
Thank you for today's word sis @FFJ . Today's word was powerful as always. I admit that I have been too focused on the physical, the "what ifs". I admit I haven't been consistent and obedient in my waiting season. I pray for God's grace over my life. I really loved today's word and how you thoroughly broke it down! I m grateful we can turn to Jairus's story as a powerful example of Jesus's might and compassion for us. I pray for everyone of us waiting on God for a miracle, that we are not fazed or scared by the physical, I pray that we focus on seeking God in our situation. I pray that God will continue to strengthen our faith. I pray that we will rejoice this year IJmN. I know our Abba is actively working behind the scenes for our good and I pray that he will uproot every spirit of anxiety, defeat and frustration from our lives!!! IjMN amen.