At Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes, our mission is to be the change as Jesus has changed us. Through our “Just 3” approach — Study, Share, Serve — we delve into the transformative power of faith. In a recent sermon, we explored the importance of trusting in God’s timing, as illustrated in the stories of Jairus and the woman in Luke 8:40-56. These narratives teach us that faith means trusting in God’s timing, even when it seems too late.
Study: The Patience of Faith
The stories of Jairus and the woman teach us about the patience required in faith. Despite the urgency of their situations, both individuals had to wait on Jesus. Jairus, whose daughter was dying, had to endure the delay as Jesus stopped to heal the woman. This pause must have been excruciating for Jairus, yet it was a crucial moment of faith development. As we study these passages, we learn that faith means trusting in God’s timing, even when it seems too late (Ecclesiastes 3:1).
Jesus’ assurance to Jairus, “Don’t be afraid, just believe,” highlights the importance of faith over fear. It is a reminder that even when circumstances seem dire, we are called to trust in God’s plan and His perfect timing. The eventual healing of Jairus’ daughter demonstrates that Jesus’ timing is perfect, even when it seems delayed.
Key Points from the Sermon:
- Jairus had to wait while Jesus attended to the woman, illustrating the challenge of trusting in God’s timing.
- The woman’s healing was not just physical but also emotional and spiritual, as Jesus affirmed her faith and called her “daughter.”
- The sermon emphasized that when fear says it’s over, faith says, “Just believe.”
Share: Encouraging One Another in the Wait
At Lakeview, we believe in the power of sharing our experiences to encourage one another. Waiting can be difficult, but sharing our stories of faith and perseverance can provide hope and strength to others in similar situations (Hebrews 10:24-25).
In our community, we encourage open dialogue about the challenges of waiting on God’s timing. By sharing our testimonies, we can uplift and support each other, reminding one another that we are not alone in our struggles. This shared experience fosters a sense of unity and strengthens our collective faith.
Serve: Being Present in the Waiting
Serving others during their times of waiting is a powerful expression of love. Jesus’ willingness to stop and heal the woman, even as Jairus waited, shows us the importance of being present for others. At Lakeview, we are committed to serving our community with patience and compassion (Romans 12:12-13).
Being present for others in their times of waiting can be a profound act of service. Whether it’s through offering a listening ear, providing practical support, or simply being there, our presence can be a source of comfort and encouragement. It is through these acts of service that we can demonstrate the love of Christ to those around us.
Conclusion: Trusting in God’s timing can be challenging, but it is an essential part of our faith journey. 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 perfect timing and be a source of hope and encouragement to those around us. In moments of waiting, may we find strength in our faith and courage to trust in God’s plan, knowing that He is always working for our good.
