Don't Let Fear Grab You

While he yet spake, there came from the ruler of the synagogue's house certain which said, Thy daughter is dead: why troublest thou the Master any further? As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, Be not afraid, only believe. (Mark 5:35 - 36)

Jairus received devastating news in the middle of his pursuit of healing for his daughter. Someone came and told him she had already died, questioning why he should trouble Jesus any further. This was exactly the kind of moment designed to end faith altogether, a report that seemed to make the entire pursuit pointless.

Jesus responded immediately and directly, answering Jairus’ request. He did not offer sympathy or acknowledge how difficult the news must have been in the moment. He gave Jairus a clear instruction: “Do not let fear take hold of you in this moment. Only believe.” Now, Jesus wasn’t dismissing the pain Jairus must have felt in the moment. He knew that if fear was allowed to take root in him right then, it would derail the very thing Jairus had been believing in.

Jairus had already acted in faith by seeking Jesus out in the first place. He had already made his request. All he needed to do was continue stepping out in that same posture, even when the news given to him seemed to contradict everything he had been believing. Jesus was not asking Jairus to deny what he had heard. He was asking him to keep his heart anchored in the faith that God is true to His Word, rather than letting the news turn his faith into fear.

Practical Application

If discouraging news comes your way about something you are believing God for, resist letting fear take hold. Speak the Word and keep your heart anchored in belief, as Jesus instructed Jairus to do.

Isaiah 41:10; 2 Timothy 1:7