Courage, Daughter

 

Readings 070626

“Courage, daughter! Your faith has saved you.” 

Jesus speaks those words 

with a tenderness 

that steadies the soul. 

And it reminds us— 

it’s all about faith.

But many people do not know what faith is. 

A tragedy strikes. 

An illness comes. 

A heartbreak cracks something deep inside. 

And in that moment, people turn to God—

praying, pleading, hoping. 

But are they praying in faith, 

or simply praying in fear?

When the prayer is not answered the way they expected, 

they say, “See? That proves it. 

There is no God. 

God does not care.” 

But faith is not proven by the outcome— 

faith is proven by the trust that remains 

even when the outcome is unclear.

When Jesus arrived at the official’s house, 

they ridiculed Him. 

They laughed at the very idea 

that God could still act. 

But when the crowd was put out— 

when doubt was removed— 

Jesus took the little girl by the hand, 

and she arose.

Faith is not loud. 

Faith is not dramatic. 

Faith is the quiet courage 

to let Jesus take your hand 

even when the world is laughing. 

Faith is the trust that says, 

“Lord, I believe You can still raise what has fallen.”

May we pray not only with our lips, 

but with hearts that trust Him 

before the miracle, 

during the waiting, 

and after the rising. 

And you shall know the Lord.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, 

Give me the courage to trust You.

Lift my heart when fear tries to speak louder than faith. 

Take my hand. 

Raise what has fallen within me. 

Quiet every voice of doubt around me. 

Let my faith rest in Your saving love.

Amen