‘But overhearing what they said, Jesus said to the ruler of the synagogue, “Do not fear, only believe.”’ (Mark 5:36 ESV).
A synagogue ruler named Jairus came to Jesus, begging him to come and heal his sick daughter. Jesus went with him. As they were on the way, messengers came to inform them that she had died. In response, Jesus told Jairus, “Do not fear, only believe.” Jesus often put fear and faith as opposite choices that people could choose as an act of the will. When Jesus arrived at Jairus’ house, He raised his daughter from the dead.
Fear seems like an automatic response rather than an act of the will. But Jesus teaches that we can learn to choose faith over fear. Is this possible? That we can learn to replace our fear with faith?
I suppose it’s about what or who you believe. If you believe the voice of the crowd or of the world, it produces doubt. And doubt produces fear. But if you believe in God’s Word, if you believe in His Son, Jesus, that faith overcomes fear.
Remember, such fear does not come from God. As the apostle Paul wrote in his second epistle to Timothy, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (2 Tim. 1:7).
So let us recognize the “spirit of fear” as something contrary to God’s will for us. Let us depend on His Spirit to replace our fears with His power, love, and a sound mind filled with faith in Him.
PRAYER: Dear Father, we believe, help us with our unbelief. For when we doubt, we become anxious and fearful. We therefore choose to believe Your promises and Your Word. We choose faith in You over fear, knowing that You will give us peace that passes understanding. In Jesus’ name, amen.