MARK 5:36: “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

OBSERVATION: “Only Believe!” Imagine hearing these words when you have just been told that your 12-year-old daughter has just died. 

Jairus, one of the rulers of the synagogue, had gone to Jesus asking Him to heal his sick daughter. Jesus began to travel with him to his home but was interrupted by the woman who had an issue of blood. Jesus healed this woman and then continued on to Jairus’ house.

When they arrived at Jairus’ house the entire group of family and friends told Jairus not to bother Jesus any longer – his daughter was dead. Yet, Jesus said something different. Jesus said,

“She is simply sleeping. She will arise!”

The crowd jeered and ridiculed Jesus. I am sure at that moment Jairus’ faith hit rock bottom. If only Jesus was not detained by the woman with the issue of blood – then his daughter would have been saved. 

Jairus had the choice to believe the crowd and the empirical evidence or to believe the words of Jesus.

Jesus looks at Jairus and says – “Don’t be afraid, only believe.” This was not a rebuke but loving words of comfort in the most difficult of situations. What greater loss could Jairus and his wife ever face? 

Yet, Jesus said – “Only believe!”

I pray that we will never experience the depth of sorrow and the testing of faith that Jairus faced at that very moment. However, in whatever we face we have the same choice. The crowds yell out their report and Jesus speaks His word. 

In every situation, we have a choice!

We can give into fear and unbelief, believing what we are told and only what we can see. Or, we can run to Jesus, cling to Him and His word in faith, and position our life for a miracle? 

The outcome in life is not always what Jairus experienced but our victory is always secured. When we choose to trust in the Lord through faith we place ourselves in the fountain of His grace and provision. What we cannot do because of our weaknesses and limitations,

He does through the power of His grace!

I have prayed for people and have seen them recover and be healed. I have also stood by my family members and watched them enter eternity. In either case, I have always met the all-sufficient grace of God. His promise, His provision, His comfort, and His love have always sustained me.

Lord, help me to fix my eyes upon You. As I look upon You let the sound of Your voice, Your word, Your promises – drown out all the contradicting voices of this world. Let me hear the words You spoke to Jairus.

“Do not be afraid, only believe!”

In Jesus’ Name!