Trust
by
Ruth Barnes

He'd waited far too long, he knew;
His child lay gravely ill.
He fell down at the Master's feet
And said: "Come, if you will.

"My little daughter, twelve years old,
Is dying, as we speak.
Please lay your hands upon my child;
Restore this life, so weak."

As Jairus led the way, the crowd
Was thronging all around.
A woman came and touched his robe
And instant healing found.

Then Jesus stopped and talked with her,
Although the time was short.
I know if I were Jairus now,
My feelings would be fraught.

"Please hurry up," I'd want to say.
"My daughter's life's at stake.
A long delay like this, you know,
Could all the diff'rence make."

But Jesus didn't hurry,
For the Lord of time and space
Didn't need a man to say:
"This is an urgent case."

They got there far too late, it seemed;
The little girl was dead.
"Only believe," was what the Lord
To this poor man had said.

"Only believe." What could he mean?
The case was cut and dried.
"If only you'd come quicker, Lord!"
I know I would have cried.

But Jesus, unperturbed, addressed
The ones who mourned and wept.
He told them that she hadn't died;
He said she only slept.

He shut the mockers all outside,
Took Peter, James and John,
Her parents too - all gathered round
The bed the child lay on.

He took the damsel by the hand
And said to her: "Arise!"
And straightaway the child got up
Before their wond'ring eyes.

A miracle took place that day
For Jairus and his wife
This little girl, their only child,
Was brought from death to life.

It makes me think. I wonder how
My faith with theirs' compares.
Do I believe the Lord of all
My ev'ry burden shares?

If His answer seems to be
Delayed upon the way,
Am I frustrated, angry, sad,
Or can I simply say:

"Precious Lord, please give me faith
To trust you through and through.
When understanding fails, may I
Cast all my cares on you.

"I know you see the sparrow fall;
You said it in Your Word.
So now I trust you, for I know
My ev'ry prayer is heard."