In what ways can we strengthen our belief when facing fear or doubt? Setting the scene of Luke 8:50 “ But Jesus heard this and said to Jairus, ‘Do not be afraid; only believe, and she will be healed.’ ” (Luke 8:50) Jairus has just been told that his daughter has died. The report is final, hopeless, devastating. Yet Jesus immediately counters the voice of fear with a simple, authoritative call: “Only believe.” What He spoke to Jairus still speaks to every trembling heart today. Belief anchored in Jesus’ word • Jesus did not tell Jairus to drum up courage on his own; He gave Jairus a command (“Do not be afraid”) and a promise (“she will be healed”). • Faith rests on what Jesus says, not on what circumstances shout. Hebrews 12:2 reminds us to fix our eyes on “Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” • When fear invades, faith grows by rehearsing the unchanging Word: “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away.” (Matthew 24:35) Practical steps to strengthen belief when fear knocks 1. Refuse the fear narrative – Identify voices that feed anxiety (news, negative talk, past failures). – Replace them with the voice of Christ: “Do not fear, for I am with you.” (Isaiah 41:10) 2. Fill your heart with Scripture – “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.” (Romans 10:17) – Read aloud passages of deliverance: Psalm 27; Psalm 46; John 14. 3. Remember God’s past faithfulness – Keep a journal of answered prayers and previous rescues. – Psalm 77:11–12 models this pattern: “I will remember the deeds of the LORD… I will meditate on all Your works.” 4. Surround yourself with believing community – Jairus walked with Jesus and selected disciples, not the doubters. – Hebrews 10:24–25 urges gathering with fellow believers who “spur one another on.” 5. Speak faith more than feelings – Proverbs 18:21 underscores the power of the tongue. – Declare God’s promises out loud: “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.” (Hebrews 13:6) 6. Obey the next clear instruction – Faith often unfolds step-by-step. Joshua 1:9 couples courage with obedience: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous… for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” 7. Worship while you wait – Paul and Silas sang in prison before the chains fell (Acts 16:25). – Worship shifts focus from the size of the problem to the greatness of God. Scripture promises to hold onto • 2 Timothy 1:7 — “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.” • Philippians 4:6-7 — “Do not be anxious about anything… and the peace of God… will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” • Psalm 56:3-4 — “When I am afraid, I put my trust in You… In God I trust; I will not be afraid.” • John 14:27 — “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you… Do not let your hearts be troubled; do not be afraid.” Examples of faith over fear • Moses at the Red Sea (Exodus 14:13-14) • David facing Goliath (1 Samuel 17:45-47) • Daniel in the lions’ den (Daniel 6:10, 23) • The disciples in the storm (Mark 4:39-40) Closing encouragement Fear may knock loudly, but it never has to own the house. Jesus still whispers the same words He spoke to Jairus: “Do not be afraid; only believe.” Hold onto His command, rest in His promise, and watch Him turn fear’s final verdict into a fresh testimony of His power. |
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