Monday, May 12, 2014
Stretching Our Belief
Last night we had a storm that was very intense. Thunder and lighting that lit up the sky, and much rain. This morning the birds are happily getting worms, the grass is green, and the garden plants looked revived. There is a beautiful time in the creation after the storm. Our life with God is like that as well if we can only believe.
Mark 5:35 While he 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?
36 As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, Be not afraid, only believe.
37 And he suffered no man to follow him, save Peter, and James, and John the brother of James.
38 And he cometh to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and seeth the tumult, and them that wept and wailed greatly.
39 And when he was come in, he saith unto them, Why make ye this ado, and weep? the damsel is not dead, but sleepeth.
40 And they laughed him to scorn. But when he had put them all out, he taketh the father and the mother of the damsel, and them that were with him, and entereth in where the damsel was lying.
41 And he took the damsel by the hand, and said unto her, Talitha cumi; which is, being interpreted, Damsel, I say unto thee, arise.
42 And straightway the damsel arose, and walked; for she was of the age of twelve years. And they were astonished with a great astonishment.
The ruler of the synagogue had asked Jesus to come heal his daughter. On the way Jesus healed the woman with the issue of blood. Then came the message to the ruler that his daughter was dead. What was the response of Jesus? “Be not afraid, only believe.” He then takes only a few of the disciples and goes to the house saying the girl is only asleep. When He goes into the room, Jesus prays over her in the Spirit, and she is raised from the dead. This is a dramatic example of what God will do for His people, and wants to do.
We are promised repeatedly in the bible that God wants to take care of us and provide for us. In this story, imagine being the father. He could not read to the end. He had to cling to those words of Jesus and fight off the fear. He had to make the journey to the house with this small band of men, and somehow cling to Jesus words. The result – his daughter was raised from the dead – she was alive! We can have these same things, the promises of God, if we will cling to the words of our Messiah.
“Be not afraid, only believe.”
Prayer
Father, we praise and exalt You as the Most High King. Please forgive us when we doubt or are afraid. We have been given so many thoughts like this from our world. Help us to believe in You and Your words. Please send us today Your healing, Your deliverance, and Your abundant provision. In Jesus’ (Yeshua’s) name. Amen.