Scary movies are not my thing. Horror films—even suspenseful music— is something I will avoid at all cost. The same can’t be said for some other people I know. They love it.
Me? If I even think something is going to be remotely scary, I will exit stage left and go find something to do. For me, scaring myself is not my desired form of entertainment. This is a result of being exposed to scary movies in my childhood. One scary scene and hours laterI was in bed with the covers pulled up to my neck as I stared at the ceiling contemplating all the fictitious things that would come for me in the middle of the night. Eventually I would pass out from self-induced exhaustion, finally giving my overactive imagination a rest.
In retrospect, there was really nothing to fear. I never needed to worry about some chatty skeleton with beady eyeballs coming after me. Now that I’m older it all seems ridiculous, especially given all the really crazy things that happen around us every day…
Let’s face it. It’s not too hard to be fearful in this day. Wars. Rumors of wars. Political unrest. Corruption and poor leadership. It could all be cause for worry.
And if it’s not the chaos in the world around us that serves as an onramp to fear then the enemy would love to use personal circumstances to draw us into a web of anxiety.
However, the truth is that times have always seemed crazy to the people who have lived them regardless of the year, decade, or century. That realization can put our current times in perspective, but it doesn’t have the ability to resolve what we face. Fortunately, even when things seem to be at their craziest, we have access to the solution to every problem we face through our relationship with Jesus.
“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33
Fully God and fully man, Jesus clearly understood the impact “troubling” situations can have on the mind and emotions. Moved with compassion, He brought the will of the Father into everyday circumstances as He stood in opposition to the status quo. It could seem like a normal day, but when Jesus arrived normal seemed to no longer exist as the miraculous took place in mere moments. Words like “immediately,” “suddenly,” and “marvel” fill the gospels as Jesus displays the nature of the Father to heal, protect, provide, and guide.
At times, it seems this is never more evident than in Jesus’ interactions with those in the most desperate of situations.
In Luke we see the impact of sickness when a woman and young girl are both dealing with the impact of disease in their bodies. But in this passage, it’s not just sickness Jesus addresses, but the temptation to fear, even in the most dire circumstances.
Now when Jesus had crossed over again by boat to the other side, a great multitude gathered to Him; and He was by the sea. And behold, one of the rulers of the synagogue came, Jairus by name. And when he saw Him, he fell at His feet and begged Him earnestly, saying, “My little daughter lies at the point of death. Come and lay Your hands on her, that she may be healed, and she will live.” So Jesus went with him, and a great multitude followed Him and thronged Him.
Mark 5:21–29
Now a certain woman had a flow of blood for twelve years, and had suffered many things from many physicians. She had spent all that she had and was no better, but rather grew worse. When she heard about Jesus, she came behind Him in the crowd and touched His garment. For she said, “If only I may touch His clothes, I shall be made well.” Immediately the fountain of her blood was dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of the affliction.
Like a leech, fear likes to ride the coattails of sickness and disease, whispering the possibility of negative outcomes and often enlists the help of others.
While He was still speaking, some came from the ruler of the synagogue’s house who said, “Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?” As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, He said to the ruler of the synagogue, “Do not be afraid; only believe.”
Mark 5:35–36
It’s important to note that Jesus took the time to calm Jairus and remind him that fear was not the path to take. Jesus didn’t mock the father for his worry or belittle him. He didn’t even take time to rebuke the messenger. Instead, He used His words to paint a new image on the screen of Jairus’ mind of hope and possibility.
When the enemy whispers the impossibility, it’s important to remember the Word and hold onto the truth we’ve been given. As we meditate upon Scripture we’re reminded of what we’ve been given and the power that is available to heal, restore, and even resurrect the most impossible situations.
Jesus entered time and space in the form of a man, pointing to a victorious reality as our reason to leave behind fear in exchange for the miraculous.
“The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.”
John 10:10
Abundant life is yours! If something has been stolen, killed, or destroyed, then somehow the thief has gotten involved. But like Jairus and the woman who was healed from years of hemorrhaging, we can simply believe that we have received and will enjoy what God has given us through salvation and see what happens when life overtakes death.
Restoration, life, and preservation has been given to you. See it in the Word and enjoy it today!
Until we see Him,
Fia