Mark 5:35-36
While he yet spake, there came from the ruler of the synagogue’s house certain which said, Thy daughter is dead: why troublest thou the Master any further?  As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, Be not afraid, only believe.

“Don’t bother now.  It’s too late.”  What a hopeless message comes from Jairus’ house.  His daughter had died, and so now it seems like it’s too late for Jesus to do anything to help.  He was supposed to come and heal her, but now there was no hope for that.  Jairus had had faith that Jesus could come and make a difference, to make the situation better, to intervene on his daughter’s behalf.  He had sought out Jesus because he believed He could do something.  But when the circumstances change, would he still have faith?

Jesus steps in to reassure Jairus before his faith drains away.  If he would still believe and not give in to those doubts those others brought, though his daughter was now dead, Jesus could still help.  So with faith, he goes back home with Jesus and witnesses an amazing miracle.  Let’s never believe that it’s too late for God to make a difference, for Him to step in and do something unimaginable.  Let’s trust Him no matter what others may say about the hopelessness of our situation and continue to believe in the power of Jesus Christ.

Imagine if Jairus had agreed with them and told Jesus not to bother coming now.  Imagine if all he could do was return home mourning and never witness the life-giving power of Jesus.  If we allow ourselves to be overcome by fear and doubt, we’ll never see God work in our lives in powerful ways.  If we listen to what everyone else says instead of what He says, we may miss out on something that would change our lives.  If we turn aside from seeking Him to help us, no one else will be able to.

Let’s never forget that Jesus can step into what looks so hopeless and make a real and lasting difference.  Let’s not believe that it’s too late for Him to do something more than we think is possible.  And let’s not think that our changing circumstances change Jesus’ ability to work in our lives.  We can be admonished, like Jairus was, to not be afraid, but believe.  Because when it’s Jesus we’re trusting in, it’s never too late, and there is always hope in Him.