Do Not Fear, Only Believe

Mark 5:36—Jesus said…”Do not fear, only believe.”

Jesus said these words to the leader of a synagogue who had come to Jesus pleading for his daughter’s healing.  While Jesus was enroute to the leader’s home, they received news of the daughter’s death, and Jesus instructed her father not to fear, but rather to believe.  The news of his daughter’s death must have been devastating to this man.  He had so desperately sought after Jesus for His healing power, and he was making all human efforts to save his precious child.  Yet, his efforts were not enough.  Have you ever felt the same way?  Have you ever cried out to God to save a situation?  The futility of our own humanity can be frightening.  That moment when we understand that we truly have no power—no  control—that  is the moment fear takes over.  Our bodies have a physical visceral reaction when it seems like our hopes are dead.  This fear feels impossible to control.  But Jesus tells us not to fear, only believe.  We must believe that Jesus can redeem, restore, and transform any seemingly hopeless situation.  That belief can conquer and tame any fear.  That belief has the power to release fear from within.  When we make the choice to believe despite our fear, we make space for God to make us whole.

Today as you pray and meditate on His Word, consider your fears.  Is there something you are trying desperately to salvage?  Do you fear that your own human frailty cannot save it?  Pray to God for a believing spirit.  Rejoice in His Love and Devotion toward you.  Praise Him for His redeeming power and lift up your fears to Him with a prayer that they be replaced with sincere belief in the redeeming power of the Lord.