t Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes, we are committed to being the change as Jesus has changed us. Our mission, “Just 3” — Study, Share, Serve — guides us in our journey of faith. In a recent sermon, we explored the powerful stories of Jairus and the woman with the issue of blood from Luke 8:40-56, highlighting how faith emerges in moments of desperation. These narratives remind us that faith is not about having control but about trusting Jesus, even when all we can do is wait.
Study: Understanding Faith Through Scripture
In the Gospel of Luke, we find two individuals, Jairus and a woman suffering from a bleeding condition, both in desperate need of Jesus’ intervention. Jairus, a respected synagogue leader, and the woman, an outcast due to her condition, approached Jesus with a sense of urgency and desperation. Their stories remind us that faith begins not when we have it all together, but when we finally admit we don’t. Desperation isn’t a weakness; it’s the starting place of real faith (2 Corinthians 12:9-10).
Jairus, despite his status, fell at Jesus’ feet, pleading for his daughter’s life. The woman, on the other hand, reached out in the crowd, believing that touching Jesus’ robe would heal her. Both acts required humility and a recognition of their own limitations. This is where true faith begins — in the acknowledgment of our need for Jesus.
Key Points from the Sermon:
- Jesus’ response to the woman, calling her “daughter” and affirming her faith, shows His compassion and attentiveness to those who reach out to Him.
- The sermon emphasized that God’s timing might stretch us, but He is always good and always wins.
Share: Building Community Through Vulnerability
At Lakeview, we believe in sharing our stories to know and love others. Just as Jairus and the woman reached out to Jesus, we are called to reach out to one another. Sharing our experiences of faith, especially in times of desperation, strengthens our community and reminds us that we are not alone (Galatians 6:2).
In our church community, we encourage vulnerability as a means to connect and support each other. When we share our struggles and triumphs, we create a space where others feel safe to do the same. This mutual sharing fosters a sense of belonging and reminds us that we are part of a larger body of believers who are walking this journey together.
Serve: Faith in Action
Our mission to serve is about putting love into action. Jesus’ willingness to stop and address the woman’s needs, even while on His way to Jairus’ house, demonstrates His compassion and attentiveness. We are encouraged to serve others with the same love and urgency, knowing that our actions can be a testament to God’s love (James 2:14-17).
Serving others, especially in their moments of desperation, is a powerful expression of faith. It is through our actions that we can demonstrate the love of Christ to those around us. Whether it’s through acts of kindness, offering a listening ear, or providing practical support, our service can be a beacon of hope to those in need.
Conclusion: As we reflect on these stories, let us be reminded that faith holds on when Jesus feels slow. At Lakeview Christian Church, we are committed to being the change by studying God’s Word, sharing our lives, and serving others. Let us continue to trust in God’s timing and be a beacon of hope in our community. In moments of desperation, may we find strength in our faith and courage to reach out to Jesus, knowing that He sees us, loves us, and is always working for our good.
