Has your hope dwindled down to nothing? Have you completely given up on ever being free from this tormenting fear? Is there any light at the end of your tunnel?
For years, my hope waned, dwindling down to almost nothing. Total despair and discouragement was quickly setting in. The anxiety and fear had so gripped my life that carrying out my normal daily routines was nearly impossible. But even in the despair, there was the smallest inkling of hope. I knew deep down in my heart that I was not created to live like this.
Speaking prophetically of Jesus, Isaiah writes: “A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering ember he will not snuff out” (Isaiah 42:3). I knew Jesus would not abandon me nor snuff out what little ember of hope I had left. Let me share how Jesus can renew your hope and spark a new kind of faith in you.
The synagogue’s daughter was deathly ill. Jairus frantically searched to find Jesus, because he knew that Jesus could heal his daughter and keep her from dying. He quickly found the Healer and pleaded with him to come to his house where he could pray for his 12-year old daughter.
But while on the way, Jesus was detained by a lady who had touched the hem of his garment. She was healed, and Jesus looked around and questioned who had touched him. Meanwhile, Jairus was probably way ahead of the group calling out to Jesus, “Come on! Hurry! My daughter is very ill, and we need you to pray. Hurry!”
As they approached the house, later than planned, Jarius’ servants came outside looking very sad. His daughter had died. Jairus cried out, “If only we had gotten here sooner.” Yet, even death could not stop Jesus. He turned to Jairus and said two simple sentences–two sentences that can renew your hope and your faith that God wants to make you whole:
Jesus said, “Don’t be afraid. Just believe” (Luke 8:50).
When those overwhelming thoughts would come crashing in and my mind would begin to race, it was almost as if I could hear Jesus speaking those words to me: “Russ, don’t be afraid. Just believe.” Yes, it is hard to stand still when your body is numb with fear and your mind is racing out of control. But God is with you. He will not leave you alone.
“Well Russell, you don’t understand what I’ve been through. I’ve seen all the doctors. I’ve talked with all the counselors and psychiatrists. I’ve tried every medication known to man, and nothing is working for me. I fight and struggle and lose this battle to fear constantly, daily, every hour. It is just impossible for me to have any hope.”
As instruments of God’s healing, I do believe in doctors and medication along wise counsel, but ultimately, my hope is not in them. Listen carefully to the truths in these two verses of scriptures. I pray these words from your Father will rekindle your hope and spark your faith:
“What is impossible with men is possible with God” (Luke 18:27).
“Anything is possible to him who believes” (Mark 9:23).
This week, I encourage you with the words Jesus: “Don’t be afraid. Just believe.”
Prayer: Lord, I believe. I believe you are more than able to help me get free from fear. I know that your will is for me to live a life full of peace and rest. Lord, I put my trust in you.
