12/08/2024
*Two Twelve Years: A Journey of Faith, Hope and Divine Timing*
Have you ever paused to think about how different our lives can be, even when we’re living through the same period of time?
Take a moment to imagine this: two people, both living out twelve years, yet their experiences are as different as night and day. That’s the story we find in Luke Chapter 8—a story of Jairus’ family and a woman who had been suffering in silence.
Jairus’ daughter was twelve years old, the apple of her father’s eye. Can you picture it? Twelve years of laughter, of growing up in a home filled with love. Her life, up until this point, had been relatively smooth, sheltered, and full of joy. Twelve years, and everything seemed perfect—until suddenly, it wasn’t.
Now, think about the woman with the issue of blood. For those same twelve years, she had been battling an illness that drained her physically, emotionally, and financially. Can you feel her despair? She had tried everything, spent all she had, but instead of getting better, she only grew worse. Imagine the loneliness, the pain of being shunned, of feeling like there was no end in sight.
Two lives, two very different twelve-year journeys. And yet, on one fateful day, their paths crossed in a way that only God could have planned.
Jairus, in a panic, threw himself at Jesus’ feet, pleading for his daughter’s life. He had seen her go from health to the brink of death, and he knew there was only one hope left. Jesus agreed to go with him, and they started towards Jairus’ home. But amidst the crowd, another desperate heart reached out—not with words, but with a trembling hand. The woman, after twelve years of suffering, believed that just touching the edge of Jesus’ garment could heal her.
Can you feel the tension? On one hand, a father rushing to save his daughter; on the other, a woman who had nothing left to lose. She touched His garment, and in that instant, she was healed. Twelve years of pain vanished in a single moment. Jesus stopped. Even though Jairus’ need was urgent, Jesus paused to acknowledge this woman, to restore not just her health, but her dignity. “Daughter,” He called her. Just imagine how her heart must have leaped at that word—finally, she was seen, she was valued.
But what about Jairus? While Jesus was still speaking, news came that his daughter had died. Can you imagine the sinking feeling, the fear that it was too late? Yet, Jesus didn’t waver. He continued to Jairus’ house, where He took the hand of that lifeless girl and brought her back to life. Two lives, both transformed on the same day, by the same divine touch.
So, what does this mean for us? Think about it: what are the “twelve years” in your life? Maybe you’ve been on a journey that’s felt blessed and full, or perhaps you’ve been trudging through years of struggle, feeling like hope is slipping away. Are you like Jairus, desperate for a miracle, or like the woman, reaching out in one last act of faith?
Here’s the truth: God’s timing is perfect. Whether you’re in a season of joy or one of deep pain, a divine encounter can change everything. It’s not about how long you’ve been waiting or suffering, but about trusting that God knows exactly when and how to step in.
So, I ask you—what are you waiting for? What have you been carrying for years that you need to lay at Jesus’ feet? Are you ready to reach out in faith, even if it’s just to touch the hem of His garment? Remember, His grace is enough to turn your story around, no matter how different it may seem from others.
Take comfort in knowing that God sees you, He knows your journey, and in His perfect timing, He will bring about the change you’ve been longing for. Whether you’re on the mountaintop or in the valley, keep your eyes on Him. Your divine encounter could be just a touch away.
Shalom 🙏
Your Brother and Friend,
Nkabono Nglass
12-08-2024
