Only Believe

Daily Devotional: Day 48

“While he [Jesus] 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, KJV).

Words have meaning. And everything that has meaning has influence. Words are not neutral in their effect. Words – yours or another’s – can trigger fear, doubt, hope or faith. The basic requirement of our Christian life is to walk by faith and not by circumstances. The Bible explains faith as “the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1). Today’s Bible passage tells the story of Jesus’s encounter with a man named Jairus, who was a ruler of the Jewish synagogue. Jairus’ daughter was severely ill, so he petitioned Jesus to go heal her. But, Jesus was delayed on the way by a woman who suffered from hemorrhage.

Before Jesus got to Jairus’ house, certain people came with the news that Jairus’ daughter was dead. At this point, pay attention to what they tell Jairus. They say, “Your daughter is dead: why trouble the Master any further?” These are words, and as we’ve noted earlier, words can trigger fear or faith. Jesus knew about this, so pay attention to what he does right after the news of Jairus’ daughter came. The Bible says that as soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he said to Jairus, “Be not afraid, only believe.” Jesus knew that the words spoken to Jairus could shake his faith, so he wasted no time in reminding Jairus to maintain his faith. Jesus spoke faith into Jairus’ ears to counter the bad news. 

The lesson for us is this: Be careful what you hear, the music, the movies, the TV shows, the books, the magazines, the news, the conversations, etc. Also, be careful who you surround yourself with; some people will harm your faith by the words from their mouth. Remember that your faith is precious; you can’t afford to jeopardize it. This is also why it’s important to know the Bible – God’s Word written for you. The Bible is the only true Book of Faith. Whatever happens in your life, you should quickly remember – by the Holy Spirit – what God has said about that situation. And once you remember it, go with what God has said. That’s the definition of walking by faith: going by what God has said in his Word. Only believe.

 Prayer:

Daddy, protect me from every situation that can hurt my faith in you. Make me spiritually aware of what and who surrounds me. In all things, let me only go by what you have said in your Word. In the Name of Jesus. Amen.

For further study: Numbers chapters 13-14