MARK. 5:35-36: “While He was still speaking, some came from the ruler of the synagogue’s house who said, “Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?” As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, He said to the ruler of the synagogue, “Do not be afraid; only believe.” NKJV
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OBSERVATION: Are you facing a time of uncertainty? Have you received a bad report from a doctor? Do you have strained relationships in your family? Are finances tight and do you wonder what the future will hold? In the midst of all of these circumstances, Jesus is saying to each one of us…

• “Do not be afraid; only believe!”

These can be empty words when someone says them to us in a time of great need. Yet, when Jesus says them to us there is a fountain of eternal hope that springs forth. We have no power to change the events of life. Yet, He holds both the events of life and us firmly in His hands. We need to listen to these words of Jesus with a heart of faith!

Jairus, one of the rulers of the Synagogue, had come to Jesus in great distress over his daughter’s illness. She was near the point of death. As Jesus accompanied Jairus back to his home some of his friends met them and told Jairus not to trouble Jesus because his daughter was dead. When Jesus said that she was simply asleep and would rise again they ridiculed Him.

When we take a stand of faith, we too will be ridiculed. We will be ridiculed by other Christians, by our own families, and even by our own minds. Everything within and without will endeavor to weaken our faith in Jesus. When Jesus came to Jairus’ home, even though He told the people that the little girl would rise and live, they continued to mourn and weep. They were deaf to His promise and they continued in fear.

We do not have a guarantee in life that every trial will be met with a miraculous healing or provision from heaven. Christians go through great times of difficulty, deal with setbacks and disappointments, and battle with sickness and disease. It is only the traveling preacher, who does not have to be there during the great times of need, that promises you a miracle is always the answer.

Yet, even though we do not always get a miracle, we are promised God’s presence and His all-sufficient grace. And, we must always be positioned for a miracle or special gift of the Holy Spirit coming to our life. I believe we must always ask for God’s best and trust that God’s answer is His best!

• “But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.” I Corinthians‬ ‭12:7-11‬ ‭NKJV

• “Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” II Corinthians‬ ‭12:8-10‬ ‭NKJV‬‬‬

• “Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So we may boldly say: “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” Hebrews‬ ‭13:5-6‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

In Psalms 34 David declares that he has never the righteous forsaken or lacking any good thing. David’s life was not void of trials and adversity. Yet, David learned, through faith, that God would always provide. His grace is always sufficient. His provision is always perfect. Even when we are not faithful, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself! And, whenever we are troubled we hear the Holy Spirit whisper the words of Jesus once again…

• “Do not be afraid; only believe!”

Lord, the old hymn comes to my heart as I pray this morning. I lift all those who are discouraged, broken-hearted, battling sickness, or carrying a heavy burden. May the words of this hymn draw us ever closer to Jesus this morning and renew our faith!

ONLY BELIEVE (Paul Rader, 1921)

Fear not, little flock, from the cross to the throne,
From death into life He went for His own;
All power in earth, all power above,
Is given to Him for the flock of His love.

(Refrain)
Only believe, only believe;
All things are possible, only believe;
Only believe, only believe;
All things are possible, only believe.

Fear not, little flock, He goeth ahead, Your Shepherd selecteth the path you must tread; The waters of Marah He’ll sweeten for thee, He drank all the bitter in Gethsemane.
(Refrain)

Fear not, little flock, whatever your lot, He enters all rooms, “the doors being shut,”. He never forsakes; He never is gone, So count on His presence in darkness and dawn.
(Refrain)

In Jesus Name