Arise
“Little girl, I say to you, arise.” (Mark 5:41). These photos tell the story of present-day women who are prayer-and-action warriors and have heartfelt belief in those words spoken by Jesus to a little girl who had died. Her father, Jairus, the synagogue leader, had gone to Jesus to plead with Him to come and heal his extremely ill daughter. In the meantime, word came to Jairus to not bother the Master because the little girl had died. But, before the father could react, Jesus turned to him and said: “Don’t be afraid; just believe.” When they reached the home, Jesus removed all the negativity that was apparent by the people crying and wailing. He went into the room where the child was and said those words: “Talitha koum!” (which means “Little girl, I say to you, arise!”) Immediately she awakened, rose, and walked around.
Please see these photos. The first photo is Becky’s FB title page that demonstrates why “hope” abounds. Jesus is risen. In this present here and now – the works that Jesus did back then — hasn’t changed in the hearts of these precious women from my church in Tulsa. I love them so much. These photos explain what true friendship and sister-ship are for. I couldn’t be prouder of their deep faith for healing for Becky, a beautiful, devoted mother and wife, a Bible-believing, faith-filled and mighty woman of God. From Becky’s own words from her Caring Bridge journal last week: “This week I started the plasma exchange process to treat the antibody level. Two treatments down and three more next week followed by medication to further lower. The lower the antibodies, the higher chance of matching for a heart transplant. While the treatments have started, the transplant team has been moving forward. As of about 5:00 p.m. today, I am on the list! Many emotions involved. I ask for your continued prayers for me and my family, the medical team, the donor, and the donor’s family. Ultimately, I know that God’s plan has not changed, and I completely trust in it more than anything else. He is all powerful.” Becky must have heard Jesus’ words to Jairus: “Don’t be afraid; just believe.” That is what she is doing!
This blog today, first, is asking for your prayers of agreement for Becky’s transplant to be sooner than later and for complete and total healing. We know “nothing is impossible with God”. And, secondly, I am stirred by the word: “Arise”! Perhaps today – you are needing a transplant, too. Maybe not a physical heart transplant, but one that your spiritual heart needs.
Look at the wrists of these precious women. You see the Aramaic letters that spell out the word Jesus spoke to that young girl as she laid dead, surrounded by her mourning family (Mark 5:41). Now, close your eyes and imagine yourself in her place. Imagine how dead you might be from fear, rejection, sin, disappointment, discouragement, unbelief, depression and the darkness that covers you. See youself lying there, surrounded by loved ones, the ones yearning for you to wake up. Now, hear the one word that opens our hearts – day in and day out. The one word which breathes new life into us. The one word which awakens us to God’s light and abundance all around us.
Arise.
Day after day, when sleep wants us to stay in bed rather than facing another disappointing, frustrating and same-o, same-o day where we’d rather the shades stay down because it seems too much to bear another day – if we’ll but realize Jesus is beckoning us with, “ARISE!” Anyone who is swimming in darkness, He is speaking these words to you.
His Word is for you. What is the single word that makes your heart open? What is His single word that brings you to life? Listen. He is here. In His Word, in His still small voice, in His nature, in His beloved sons and daughters. “Little girl (boy), I say to you: ‘Arise’. Here’s to today – the day we arise!