Absolon Kent

Hoe is supposed to be a place of peace and tranquility. It is where we are supposed to find rest and comfort .

Trouble will show up in our homes and doesn't always look the same, but it makes us feel the same. It may not easily identıfied, but it is real.

Jairah's life looked well, but he had trouble at home.

Somethings are bigger than us and only God can handle them. We must invite our faith to go home with us.

Faith must be personal, internalized and exercised.

Jairah makes his way to Jesus. He knew about Jesus and believed in what he could do.

1. He recognized the pain in the house (v 42) - his power and influence could do nothing for his daugher. He was a religious man, but still experienced pain. "Don't ignore your pain," name your pain.
2. He offered a plea from the house (v 41b) - he assumed a posture of humility, putting away pride and position. His position was inefficient. The only thing that could help him was diving intervention.
3. He rejoiced after prayers were answered in the house (v 55-56) - God is still in the prayer answering business. Jesus drives the mourners (doubters) out. He rewarded Jairah's faith.

Paul has a thorn in his flesh, which causes great pain. It becomes his greatest testimony. We never know the full explanation or understanding of the thorn. Because of this, we can apply Paul's teaching to our "thorns."

Paul calls upon God (prayer), but the thorn remains. Paul learned some things about himself as he dealt with the thorn.

1. When we are faced with a thorn, it Illuminates My Pride (v7) - God uses the thorn to get our attention. Paul's thorn reminds him that he must still depend on God. We are nothing without God.
2. The thorn Intensifies our Prayers (v8) - Prayer works, but we don't always like how God answers our prayers. Our prayers should seek the will of God, not just our selfish desires. Sometimes, you just have to wait on God and lean into the will of God. God will grant you strength to endure the thorn while you wait.
3. The thorn Illustrates God's Provision (v9) - "My grace is sufficient for you" was God's response to Paul's prayers. God tells Paul what he will do, even though he does not remove the thorn. We must remember that God's got it!