A Determined Father

There is something powerful about becoming a determined person. Determination has the ability to push the decision maker forward, eventually allowing him or her to accomplish a desired goal. Even Jesus had to have determination to reach His destiny of saving all mankind. Determination needs to be sourced from God our Father. Jesus is the perfect example of how to approach, appeal to, and associate with our Heavenly Father. Developing this kind of determination, one that is empowered by God helps you push through pain and conflict and enables you to make the right choices along the way.

In our text, we see Jairus, a determined father who was willing to do whatever it took to seek Jesus on behalf of his sick twelve-year-old daughter. Jairus, by virtue of his position in the synagogue, was an important man in his community. He was a man of prominence, prestige, privilege, and power and was a member of one of the most powerful religious groups. But at this moment in time, none of that mattered. He did not allow his rank or position to supersede his love for his daughter or his need for Jesus. This man was not ashamed to humble himself before the Lord because he had a determination to approach Jesus for a miracle. Jesus, moved by his determination and faith, went with Jairus and encouraged him in a dark situation: “Do not be afraid; only believe.”