There are occasions when life just does not make sense and there seems to be no solid ground to even find your footing. Have you ever wondered if God sees and knows what you are facing? Has your faith faltered in a moment of crisis?
Jairus’ story is noted three times in the Gospels. Mark’s account is the most detailed in chapter 5:21-42, as Jairus comes to Jesus praying that He would come and heal his very sick daughter. Jesus immediately assents but, on the way, He is touched by someone else needing a miracle. During this delay, Jairus is given the news that his daughter is dead.
Hope is gone. There is no need to bother Jesus now.
But in verse 36, Jesus heard the conversation and He spoke these words, “Fear not, only believe.”
Though all hope seemed lost, though the mourners mocked Jesus, though his daughter lay lifeless in her bed, Jairus held on to those words.
“Fear not, only believe.”
His faith was made sight in just a few moments as his daughter rose at Jesus’ command.
Jesus’ purposes for bringing people back from the dead in His ministry was to show that He held the power of God and that He was who He said He was. While He does still heal people miraculously today, He sees the eternal picture as far more important. A longer life on this planet is still only a vapor that appears for a time and vanishes away; but eternity is forever. Where each person spends that eternity can only be decided while they have breath. Sometimes His plans for healing will take place in heaven rather than on earth, but He sees a much bigger picture than we do. The greatest miracle He can ever do in our lives is to save us from the penalty that our sin requires. If you have never experienced that miracle, the gift of salvation, perhaps the crisis you are facing is calling you to experience that healing today. If you have any question about that, please message me today through the form at the bottom of this post.
For those who have experienced the miracle of salvation, we have the sure foundation of God’s presence, His promises, and His purpose in all things. (Romans 8:28) But our faith cannot grow until it is tested, and faith can only be tested when you cannot see what He is doing. Like Jairus, Jesus still speaks to us in those moments of fear and doubt,
“Fear not, Only Believe.”
Recorded just a few chapters later is another desperate father’s plea for his child. This child was tormented by an evil spirit. The father brought him to Jesus’ disciples who had the power to heal the child, but their efforts fell short. Having been disappointed so many times before, this father did not cling to much hope when Jesus came onto this scene. Mark 9:22 records his words, “if thou canst do any thing, have compassion on us, and help me.” Jesus heard the doubt in his words and He answered the man’s “if” with His own.
“If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.”
This father recognized in that moment that his faith was just not where it needed to be in that moment, but he also recognized where to take what little he had. In tears, he cried out, “Lord, I believe; help thou my unbelief.”
When we face the crisis, often we do falter in our faith. I am so glad we have a Savior who knows the feelings of our infirmities. He extends so much grace, and He helps us in our unbelief, if we will just ask.
If what you are facing today seems hopeless and insurmountable, know that there is a compassionate Savior still calling you to Himself. His words still have the authority to command the storms to stillness and your soul to calm.
Let me know how to pray for you today!
Fear Not, Only Believe
Trouble not the Master now,
Your daughter’s hope is gone.
As Jairus turned in sad despair
A voice reached him from the throng.
And Jesus said, “Believe.
Fear no more for I will heal
You need only take me there.
Believe. I Am the One I say I Am,
I Am the only Great I Am.
Fear not, my child, Believe.”
He’d brought his son
To Jesus’ men
With tears, he begged their help
His son was bound in Satan’s snare
His faith faltered at their doubt.
And Jesus said, “Believe.
Fear no more for I will heal
You need only take me there.
Believe. I Am the One I say I Am,
I Am the only Great I Am.
Fear not, my child, Believe.”
For many years
I’d gone my way,
My heart so trapped in doubt,
And bound in pain that sin had made,
But as I dear near Him, He reached out.
And Jesus said, “Believe.
Fear no more for I will heal,
You need only let me near.
Believe. I Am the One I say I Am,
I Am the only Great I Am,
Fear not, my child, Believe.
Believe.
You do not know yet who I Am,
For now, you do not see.
Be still, my child, For I Am here.
Fear not, Only Believe.
His Song in the Night 