No Magic Formula

“And He did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief” (Matthew 13:58).

Jesus stepped out of the boat, met by the demon-possessed man who lived in the mountains amid the tombs. A crowd gathered as Jesus cast out the legion of demons from the man. Now in his right mind, the man wanted to travel with Jesus, but the Master told him to stay and tell his family of the Lord’s mercy and healing. So the man went to the Ten Towns of that region, telling what Jesus did for him, and everyone was amazed at what he said.

Jesus got into the boat and crossed the lake, where another crowd awaited. Among them was a ruler of the synagogue, who fell at his feet, saying his daughter was dying, but he believed Jesus could heal her. The curious people crowded around and followed Jesus. But along the way, a woman suffering from a twelve-year-long disorder heard Jesus was coming. Believing this “miracle worker” could heal her, she pressed through the crowd and touched the hem of Jesus’ garment. Immediately, she knew her infirmity was gone. The Great Physician, calling her daughter (she was now part of God's family), told her that her faith in Him made her well.

While Jesus was still talking with the woman, messengers came from Jairus’ house, saying there was no use in troubling the Master. His little girl was dead. But Jesus overheard them and told Jairus, “Be not afraid, only believe” (v. 36). Arriving at the ruler’s home, Jesus left the mourners, mockers, and onlookers, taking the girl’s father, mother, and the three disciples with Him into the girl’s room. Taking her hand into His, Jesus told her to get up, and she did.

The demoniac didn’t ask for healing; Jesus had compassion and healed him. Jairus begged Jesus to heal his dying daughter, but Jesus lingered along the way to help another in need, and she died. But Jesus raised her to life after first casting out of the room those without faith. The woman with the issue of blood didn’t ask for healing, instead reached out in faith, believing a miracle would happen, and it did. There are many other accounts: Naaman had to dip seven times in the muddy Jordan River; the man who cried out to Jesus to deliver his possessed child said he believed but needed help with his unbelief. Paul asked God to free him of his ailment, but God said His grace was sufficient. God chooses when and how He works in our lives and the outcomes.

People who step out in faith experience God’s miracle-working power in every aspect of life. But many don’t believe in Jesus; some are mockers, and others think the impossible is just that. Fear of the unknown stifles belief, and unbelief in God’s power makes way for missed miracles. Jesus said the tiniest bit of faith could move mountains (Matt 17:20). Nothing is impossible with God. Trust Him to act justly with your circumstances even when the outcome is not as you hoped—we don’t always see the results of His workings.