Do we not know that throughout Scripture a chief element of faith in God is a sense of powerlessness and utter helplessness? I want to speak here on the place faith must have if we are to obtain that deep, intense, living vitality which we are longing for. If we are to appropriate the words, “Fear not, only believe,” as really spoken by our Lord to ourselves, we must note well the attitude of the man to whom they were first given.
Jairus was in great trouble. His little daughter was at the point of death. He fell at Christ’s feet and begged Him to come and lay His hand on her. Jesus went with him. But all at once there was an interruption by a woman who touched the hem of Christ’s garment. Jairus began to fear that they might arrive too late. His worst fears were realized. A messenger met them, saying, “Your daughter is dead; why trouble the Master any further?” It was to such a man in his deep distress, now brought to utter hopelessness, that Christ spoke the words: “Fear not, only believe.” The soil had been broken deeply; the heart was prepared to believe. Christ’s precious words entered in and took possession. If we are bearing the burden of a dead or a dying church, if we are going to take part in the work of rousing her and lifting her up into abundant life in Christ, we need a word like this. It will bring us the joyous assurance, day by day, that Christ is with us, that He will work through us, and that we can count upon Him to give the blessing.
If we are to appropriate the words, “Fear not, only believe,” as really spoken by our Lord to ourselves, we must note well the attitude of the man to whom they were first given.
Jairus was in great trouble. His little daughter was at the point of death. He fell at Christ’s feet and begged Him to come and lay His hand on her. Jesus went with him. But all at once there was an interruption by a woman who touched the hem of Christ’s garment. Jairus began to fear that they might arrive too late. His worst fears were realized. A messenger met them, saying, “Your daughter is dead; why trouble the Master any further?” It was to such a man in his deep distress, now brought to utter hopelessness, that Christ spoke the words: “Fear not, only believe.” In the NASB version the words “any longer” are added. The grammar Jesus used indicates that Jesus assured Jairus several times. The verse should read, “Do not be afraid any longer, only believe,” Jesus said that repeatedly to this poor anguished man. Jairus had been understandably nervous all along that they would not get there in time. Jesus was aware of that, and now that the news had come that it was too late Jesus turned and spoke these words.
Think for a moment what Jesus was saying. What you see isn’t real, only what I am doing, and what I SAY, is real. Everything in the sense realm is telling you it’s over; it’s too late. Don’t believe what you hear Jairus. Don’t believe what you see, and don’t trust what you feel. I’m telling you that she will be made well. ONLY BELIEVE that. Fear is based on what you see, hear, and how you feel. Faith is based on what I say. Faith is SUBSTANCE; not fear. Allow Jesus to speak these words into your heart. Many of you may be in the vice grip of fear. Everything you see, and hear, confirms how you feel. Its tome to get alone with God and find out what He is doing. It’s time to get a word from Him. Some of you may already have a promise from God, but everything seems to be going wrong. It’s time for you to stand on reality. It’s time to stand on SUBSTANCE. It’s time to stop being afraid, and ONLY Believe!!! Have a great day.