Here is a powerful word that Jesus addresses to Jairus, one of the religious leaders of his time. It reaches him at the moment when his heart is overwhelmed with anguish: his daughter is dying. Yet Jesus does not give him an immediate solution. First he gives him a word of faith and encouragement: “Do not be afraid, only believe.”
This word comes at just the right moment, bringing comfort and hope to Jairus’s troubled heart. And I firmly believe that it is just as relevant for us today, when we face trials, pain, or situations that seem to have no way out.
Do not be afraid. This is a call not to let ourselves be overwhelmed by fear, worry, or anguish. Jesus invites us not to be cast down by circumstances, however difficult they may be. He reminds us that He is at our side, that He goes with us through the storm, and above all, that He leads us to victory — provided we trust Him.
That is why he immediately adds: “Only believe.” In other words: place your faith in me. Do not try to understand or control everything. Simply believe that I am here, that I can intervene, that I am faithful to my promises.
Faith is the key to overcoming our fears. For this, we must lean on the Word of God, a of assurance and peace. Let us listen to some of the promises that God has left us:
In Psalms 91.5-10, God says: “You shall not be afraid of the terror of night, nor of the arrow that flies by day, nor of the pestilence that stalks in darkness… A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand, but it shall not come near you… No evil shall befall you, no plague shall come near your tent. For he will command his angels concerning you, to guard you in all your ways; they will bear you up in their hands, lest you strike your foot against a stone.” What comfort to know that God places his angels around us to guard us in all our ways!
In Isaiah 41.10, God reassures us again: “Fear not, for I am with you; do not look anxiously about, for I am your God; I strengthen you, I come to your help, I uphold you with my triumphant right hand.” What an encouragement! Even in moments of weakness, God promises to be our strength.
And in Isaiah 43.1-2, he tells us again: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you… When you pass through the waters, I will be with you… When you walk through fire, you shall not be burned.” God does not promise us a life without trials, but he assures us of his presence and his protection in the trial.
In the face of so many promises, why would we let doubt or fear take over? Jesus also said to Martha, in John 11.40: “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” Faith precedes the manifestation of divine glory. To believe is to open the door to God’s intervention.
So, no matter what you are going through today, hear this word as if Jesus were saying it to you directly: “Do not be afraid, only believe.” Entrust your situation to him, rest on his promises, and move forward in faith.
Amen.
Pastor Joël PRUDENT