When Others See Limitation, We See Opportunity
“Taking her by the hand [Jesus] said to her, “Talitha cumi,” which means, “Little girl, I say to you, arise.” And immediately the girl got up and began walking (for she was twelve years of age), and they were immediately overcome with amazement.”
(Mark 5:41–42, ESV)
When humanness sees defeat, we see the potential of victory. When limitation seems overwhelming, we believe in opportunity and purpose. When we feel discouraged, we embrace hope. Where others see death, we see sleep. When filled with questions, we grasp the peace of God / the peace that is beyond our understanding.
This is not a promise of answers and understanding but rather one of care and future direction. God is not limited by our circumstances as we are; He is able to see far beyond our times and situations and works at a level which far surpasses our abilities. This is why we trust Him.
But how do we live with this faith, this hope, this peace? How do we live content when we do not have answers to the questions we carry? When our circumstances seem hopeless, what steps can we take to catch a better glimpse and picture of who God is and what He is all doing?
Mennonite Central Committee, one of our church’s partner agencies, declared this past November 7th as Peace Sunday. It gave us opportunity to reflect upon followers of Christ who are facing persecution or oppression in ways not experienced in our part of the world. Such as the Sudanese church who lives under constant threat of violence. Such as the Columbian church who strives to be a voice of peace while living amongst guerilla warfare. Such as the Palestinian church living under the occupation of Israel; while they strive to be a voice of peace and reason, it is easy to allow discouragement and loss of hope set in.
We also face situations that seem hopeless and without end. Tragedies, deteriorating health, the death of loved ones, the inability to be together as we want to, relational breakdowns, economic challenges. We each face seasons where the struggle is real and intense; questions and doubts come easier than trust and hope. But, when we can see beyond our feelings and circumstances, we catch a glimpse of what God can do and is doing. He is not caught off-guard by what we are facing and feeling but rather embraces them as opportunities to work in and through us.
The Peace Sunday devotional guide points us to Mark 5.21-43; I encourage you to take time to read and meditate on that passage in the coming days – Mark 5.21-43. This is the story of Jesus encountering two people of faith. For now, we will focus primarily on the healing of Jairus’ daughter. Jairus approached Jesus in faith, believing in His ability to heal his sick daughter. As Jesus approached the home where the girl lay, as people were already grieving her death, Jesus approached as though the girl was only sleeping. While mocked for it, Jesus invited the girl to stand and walk and eat.
Faith is a funny thing. I at times think I approach God in faith, but He does not do what I ask. Too often what I think is faith is only selfish desire to get what I want. I prefer this person does not die or that I do not have to go through this situation. But God sees beyond, and so I look to Him. We may see death, but God sees only sleep. He sees the potential, even if we have lost hope. It is hard to see beyond our brokenness, but God is at work – creating opportunities for us to grow and serve, even if the details are not what we want.
Are we allowing our faith to go passive because of feeling hopeless? How is God inviting us to rise up? What opportunities is He giving our faith to grow? In what ways is He granting us peace even when facing the hurdles of life?
“Lord, give us the energy, courage, and expectancy to see you breaking into our everyday moments and respond.”