Just Believe

A synagogue leader fell at the feet of Jesus and pleaded for the Lord to intervene. The leader, a loving father, begged Jesus to save his daughter from death. I'm quite sure the begging was unnecessary for Jesus does not require groveling. Nevertheless, the father's plea was answered.

Mark 5:24a (NIV)
So Jesus went with him.

As Jesus went alongside the desperate father, he graciously healed a woman in need of a healing touch. Then the family or servants of Jairus brought sobering news.

Mark 5:35 (NIV)
While Jesus was still speaking, some people came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue leader. “Your daughter is dead,” they said. “Why bother the teacher anymore?”

We, as readers of that story and therefore knowledgeable of the happy ending, do not feel the father's anguish, nor do we face his moment of fear. He did not know the ending. In the middle of the dad's fear, Jesus spoke.

Mark 5:36 (NIV)
Overhearing what they said, Jesus told him, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.”

When Jesus said, "Don't be afraid," the father did not know that within just a few minutes, Jesus would tell the dying girl to get up. He certainly did not yet know that his dying girl would get up.

Like the father of the pre-teen, we do not know what the future holds, not even the future just a few minutes away. Like the father, we are called on by Jesus to believe rather than to fear. In fact, we can read about that call repeatedly.

Mark 5:36 (NIV)
Overhearing what they said, Jesus told him, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.”

Psalm 23:4 (NIV)
Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

Isaiah 41:13 (NIV)
For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.

The Bible, God's inspired word, repeatedly encourages those who trust God to not be afraid. Notice in Jesus' words to Jairus the remedy to fear.
Belief.

When you believe, you turn your fear over to God. Will fearful events still occur? Yes. Will you face times of great challenge? Yes. But you can replace your fear with belief. Trust Jesus to do His work in your life.

#ordinarylives

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