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Only Believe

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"Do not be afraid any longer; only believe..." Luke 8:50

The most repeated command in the Bible is represented in this verse. God inspires the authors of Scripture to say it in different ways; fear not, be not afraid, do not fear, etc. but it always has the same message. God wants us to trust Him rather than be gripped with fear. Fear can be terribly debilitating, leaving people without hope. We'd all be lying if we didn't admit all of us have had battles with this relentless emotion.

Recently, this particular command of God has really been tested in my life. If somebody asked me if I trust God I would immediately say "absolutely, of course, are you kidding?" None of us wants to admit we fear things; especially if you're like me...male! Seems to be built into the gender profile; real men don't fear. At least not the 'scared' kind of fear. We strive to 'fear God' but there's no way we want to be accused of just plain fear.

Unlike me, Jairus, the Synagogue official described in Luke 8, truly had a reason to fear...his only daughter was dying. With voices ringing in his ears "your daughter has already died, do not trouble the teacher anymore" Jesus reassures him "do not be afraid any longer, only believe and she shall be made well." Believe what? Or maybe the question should be believe Who?

At this point, Jairus has a decision! He either believes what people are telling him, 'your daughter has died' allowing himself to be overcome with grief and despair or he believes Jesus, 'she shall be made well.' I have the same choice to make every day. Do I allow myself to be overcome with my circumstances? Or do I allow myself to be overcome with Jesus and what He has promised?

Consider some of His promises...

Isaiah 41:10 "Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand."

Romans 8:31 "What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?"

Philippians 4:6-7 "Be anxious (fearful) for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God and the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Hebrews 13:5b "...for He Himself has said, 'I will never leave our, nor will I ever forsake you'"

1 John 4:18 "There is no fear in love; but perfect love (His perfect love for us) casts out fear..."

Father please fix my eyes and ears on Jesus and Your promises. Please keep me from trusting my own heart and my own perception of reality and move me to trust only in what You say. O God, thank you for loving me/us so much that You would sacrifice Jesus for me. Please cause Your love for us to completely control us. To Your glory, Your praise, in Jesus name, Amen!

His Kingdom Come,
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