Mark 5:35-43 While Jesus was still speaking, some people came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue leader. “Your daughter is dead,” they said. “Why bother the teacher anymore?”
Overhearing what they said, Jesus told him, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.”
He did not let anyone follow him except Peter, James and John the brother of James. When they came to the home of the synagogue leader, Jesus saw a commotion, with people crying and wailing loudly. He went in and said to them, “Why all this commotion and wailing? The child is not dead but asleep.” But they laughed at him.
After he put them all out, he took the child’s father and mother and the disciples who were with him, and went in where the child was. He took her by the hand and said to her, “Talitha koum!” (which means “Little girl, I say to you, get up!”). Immediately the girl stood up and began to walk around (she was twelve years old). At this they were completely astonished. He gave strict orders not to let anyone know about this, and told them to give her something to eat.
I love this passage of the Word. I love that Jesus simply “overheard” what was being said and entered into the conversation. He knew. I imagine that he felt the heaviness within the heart of the girl’s father. I love the way Jesus dismissed the fear, and centered upon faith.
I often need this reminder, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.” First I must silence the fear so I can focus on Jesus. Just believe. This inspires my heart to dream beyond the momentary troubles of life. God’s plan is always redemption but I can be quick to forget it. Romans 8:28 gives this promise—And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. I stood on this promise 7 years ago as my world caved in and many times since. When the broken pieces of life meet his mercy and love, goodness abounds. He does not cause bad things to happen, people make choices; we live in a broken world, but God’s love always intervenes.
I continue to stand on these promises as I move through the next season of my life. I won’t be afraid, I will simply believe. I choose to believe that God isn’t finished working things for good, both in my life and in the lives of others. It’s ok if people laugh at me. The response around him did not distract Jesus. He didn’t sidestep his mission to prove anything, he kept moving forward.
Maybe you need the same reminder today: Don’t be afraid, just believe. God is working all things out for good in your life. Even when you can’t see him, he is working. Don’t stop moving forward; don’t be distracted by the things around you. Trust him—He will NEVER leave you. His love brings redemption.
