When Faith Overcomes Obstacles: Lessons from Mark 5

Based on the October 6, 2024 message by Keegan Stewart

Have you ever faced a situation where everything seemed to be working against you? Where obstacles kept piling up, blocking your path to success or healing? We've all been there. But what if I told you that your faith could be stronger than any barrier in your way?

In the Gospel of Mark, chapter 5, we find two powerful stories that demonstrate how faith can overcome even the most daunting obstacles. Let's dive in and see what we can learn from these encounters with Jesus.

The Woman Who Refused to Give Up

Imagine this scene: Jesus has just arrived by boat, and a large crowd gathers around Him. Among them is a woman who has been suffering from constant bleeding for twelve years. She's tried everything – spent all her money on doctors and treatments – but nothing has worked. In fact, she's only gotten worse.

But then she hears about Jesus. Something stirs within her, a glimmer of hope. The text tells us:

"When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, because she thought, 'If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed'" (Mark 5:27-28).

Can you feel the desperation in her actions? The crowd is pressing in, moving along with Jesus. It would have been so easy for her to think, "Well, there they go. Today is not my day." But she doesn't let that stop her. She pushes through, reaches out, and touches His cloak.

And in that moment, everything changes. "Immediately her bleeding stopped, and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering" (Mark 5:29).

When Time Seems to Be Running Out

But there's another story intertwined here – that of Jairus, a synagogue leader whose daughter is dying. He falls at Jesus' feet, pleading for help. Jesus agrees to go with him, but then... they stop. For Jairus, this delay must have been agonizing. Every second counted, and here they were, pausing for someone else.

And then, his worst fear comes true. People from his house arrive with the devastating news: "Your daughter is dead. Why bother the teacher anymore?" (Mark 5:35).

But Jesus' response is immediate and powerful: "Don't be afraid; just believe" (Mark 5:36).

Despite the seeming finality of death, Jesus goes to Jairus' house. And there, in a moment that defies all human understanding, He speaks to the girl: "Little girl, I say to you, get up!" (Mark 5:41). And she does.

The Significance of Twelve

It's interesting to note a detail that Mark, the author, subtly includes. The woman had been bleeding for twelve years. And Jairus' daughter? She was twelve years old. This repetition of twelve reminds us that whether we've been struggling for years or facing an immediate crisis, Jesus' power to heal and restore remains the same.

Courageous Faith in Action

Both of these stories demonstrate courageous faith in action. The bleeding woman didn't let the crowd or her ceremonial uncleanness stop her from reaching out to Jesus. Jairus didn't let the news of his daughter's death crush his hope.

Their faith was greater than the obstacles they faced. And Jesus honored that faith. To the woman, He said, "Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering" (Mark 5:34). To Jairus, He simply said, "Don't be afraid; just believe."

Applying This to Our Lives Today

So what does this mean for us in 2024? We face our own set of challenges – cultural divisions, political strife, mental health crises, natural disasters, and even disagreements among fellow Christians. It can be easy to let these things block our path and dim our faith.

But remember, just as Jesus asked Jairus and the bleeding woman to hold onto their faith, He asks the same of us. Whether you've been waiting for a long time or you're in a desperate situation needing immediate action, stay strong in your faith. Be courageous.

Putting It Into Practice

  1. Identify the obstacles in your life that seem insurmountable.

  2. Reflect on how you can approach these challenges with courageous faith.

  3. Remember that God's timing may not match our expectations. As we saw with Jairus, what seems like a devastating delay might be part of a greater plan.

  4. Don't be discouraged by setbacks. The bleeding woman tried many solutions before finding healing in Jesus.

  5. Reach out to Jesus in faith, even when it seems illogical or impossible.

Remember, our God, the King of the universe, is with us always. His promises are everlasting, and His mercies are new every morning. May our faith in Him remain steadfast, no matter what obstacles we face.

What would it look like if our faith was greater than the things that were in our way? Let's live out that question and see how God moves in our lives.

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When God's Timing Seems Off: Finding Hope in the Story of Lazarus

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Walking in the Way of Love