Some people, I guess, must not be afraid. But I am. I have many
fears. Some of them make sense, and a lot of them don’t. But all fears cut away
at our insides, and make us more miserable than if they all came true.
The only way I’ve ever been able to deal with any of my
fears is to trust that Jesus is on my side, that He is in control, and that
He will take care of me. (All these things about Him turn out to be true,
thank God.)
Remember Jairus, the desperate father we met in Mark 5? His little
girl was dying, and he persuaded Jesus to come and help her. And Jesus dropped
everything and came with him.
But on the way, Jairus’ greatest fear came true. Messengers arrived with the news that his daughter was already dead. It was too late. No need
to trouble the Teacher any further.
Jesus overheard what they were telling the
poor man, and He said, Do not fear; only believe (Mark 5:36b). And He kept right on walking toward the man’s house.
Jairus’ fear was well-founded. He had every reason to expect
that the report of his daughter’s death was accurate. But he trusted that Jesus
was on his side, that He was in control, and that He would get him through
somehow.
When Jesus is present, no fear can win in the end. Not even
death.
Was it somehow easier for Jairus to trust Christ than it is
for you and me to trust Him? After all, he actually saw, touched, heard the Lord, and we don’t.
Actually I think we may have the advantage over Jairus. We have God’s
precious word, including this record of our Lord’s power and love. And we have
the Holy Spirit who will help us trust.
I want to shut out fear with faith in my wonderful Jesus.
But honestly, even that is beyond me. I must trust Him for greater trust. Like
another desperate father whose boy was demonized (Mark 9:24), I say, “Lord,
help my unbelief.” And He does.
