THE STORY OF JESUS: Mark 5:35-43
“Jesus told him, ‘Don’t be afraid; just believe.’” (Mark 5:36)
What does Jesus mean when He says to this man, ‘don’t be afraid’?
His daughter is dead, his heart is melting in grief and sorrow!?
I hear Jesus saying ‘don’t give in to your despair, trust me on this one!’
Fear, grief, despair, sorrow, these are natural in our broken, messed up world.
Satan knows how to yank our chain, to agitate us with fear.
I admit that I am sometimes agitated, and it takes real effort to ‘not be afraid’.
If I consider the many horrors of death that others experience, I tremble.
But Jesus speaks to this family in the despair, I trust He will speak to me too.
In fact, in many other times of fear I have heard His whisper of courage.
Jesus does not raise up every person who dies, or heal all sick people.
But this miracle reminds us of His victory over sin, sickness, death and hell.
In the midst of crisis, darkness or despair, we can hear Him gently say.
“In this world you will have trouble. Take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
Whether grieving or dying, listen for Jesus whispering, ‘Don’t be afraid; just believe.’
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, thank You that it is not the strength of my faith but the strength of Your love that will carry us through!