Don’t be afraid, just believe

How do you provide comfort to someone who is fearful? How do you give words of encouragement in the face of the unknown? I’ve thought through this today as I found myself at a loss for words for a loved one facing a challenging day tomorrow. I pray for discernment and guidance daily and today has been no different.

I kept going back to the Gospels and the multiple stories of miracles and the one that kept calling to me today was when the woman touched Jesus’ cloak and was immediately healed. Jesus searched for who touched his cloak and said “your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be free from your suffering” (Mark 5:34, NIV). AN even more powerful example is what follows immediately after when the daughter of a synagogue leader is declared dead and He days “do not be afraid; just believe” and when he enters the home he takes her hand and tells her to get up, and she began to walk around (Mark 5:36-42, NIV). Their faith, their belief led to miraculous healing.

I am not saying that faith alone will result in healing of all things. A life well lived will encounter illness, pain, suffering, and eventually loss. What I am sharing is that our faith in God brings a peace that cannot otherwise be explained. Whether the result is in healing or not, what we do know is that we have life and peace everlasting in Jesus. With that faith, with that belief, we have the strength and courage to face whatever this world brings us-because it is not the end. Our strength does not come from our physical capabilities, those are so limiting. Our strength comes from God.

Today, I pray that you look at a handful of verses and not forget that you are never alone. God has you-you have nothing to fear-just believe!

Isaiah 41:10

Psalms 46:1

Deuteronomy 31:6

Philippians 4:13