Don’t Be Afraid, Just Believe

In Mark 5 we read about Jesus healing several people and bringing a dead child back to life.

Then one of the synagogue leaders, named Jairus, came, and when he saw Jesus, he fell at his feet. He pleaded earnestly with him, “My little daughter is dying. Please come and put your hands on her so that she will be healed and live.” So Jesus went with him. Mark 5:22-24

Along the way to Jairus’ house Jesus was delayed by a woman who had a chronic illness for 12 years. She was desperate to be healed. When she heard that Jesus was in her neighborhood, she felt strongly that if she could secretly touch Him she would be healed. She did just that and immediately she was healed. Jesus knew what happened and stopped, When the woman came forward and confessed, Jesus said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you.” Mark 5:34.

Just then, Jairus’ servants came and told their master that they didn’t need Jesus anymore, his child was dead. Jesus knew the grief that came over Jairus when he heard this and consoled him, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.”Mark 5:36; He then continued to Jairus’ house and brought the child back to life.

These two stories teach us three important truths about the LORD Jesus: 

1. He is never too busy for us – we can reach out to Jesus at any time, tell Him where we hurt and He will respond with compassion. 
2. Our circumstances may appear totally hopeless but Jesus can fix them; nothing is beyond His ability.  
3. He keeps His promises.

Child of God, as we go into a New Year, let us personalize these lessons and resolve to have steadfast faith in Jesus’ ability to manage our lives.

We may be fearful about the future or paralyzed by the past but, instead, let us believe God for peace about the future and healing from the past.

We shall believe the one who: says it’s OK to cast our burdens upon Him, because He cares; who is always moved by compassion to act on our behalf; is our High Priest who understands our weaknesses – physical, mental, or spiritual; is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8), and by whose name the Father will grant us His mercy and grace to help us when we need it most. (Hebrews 4:16).

We shall believe the one who said: “If you trust me, you are trusting not only me, but also God who sent me.” John 12:44

Prayer and Thanksgiving: Holy Father, all glory and honor to you! We thank you for goodness and mercy that follow us all the days of our lives. We thank you that we can commit all our past griefs and sorrows into your hands; we ask you to direct our future and prepare a way of safety for us, keep us under the shadow of your wing, and give us courage to trust your Mighty Hand and your Sovereignty. Help us to remember that we are your children and that your plans for those who love you are good and not for evil. Teach us not to be wise in our own eyes, but to remember that we have a Father whose thoughts are higher than ours, and who is always for us and never against us. Father, all dominion and power belong to you for ever and ever. We pray and ask all things in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Always by God’s Word and prayer,

Cecile