A prominent and respected man came to a well-known minister, asking him to come to his home and pray for his young daughter. She was dying, and there was nothing the doctors could do. The father’s riches and power could do nothing for her, and he reached out to God for help. The minister agreed to go to his house, but along the way was distracted by someone else with a need. While the minister talked with this hurting individual, a message arrived from the desperate father’s house. “It’s over”, the message said. “Your daughter is dead, there is nothing else that can be done.”
The despair must have been incredible. The hurt overwhelming. If only the minister had not allowed himself to be delayed. His reputation in the healing ministry was unparalleled, but it was too late. The father could have blamed the minister, but he said nothing. The minister, hearing the death report, said some words that changed the man’s life forever. He said “Don’t be afraid. Just have faith, and she will be healed.” The father and the minister proceeded together to the house where the child had died. The minister prayed, and the young girl was healed and raised from the dead! It was a miracle: It’s never too late for God!
JUST HAVE FAITH
The story I have retold in modern English can be found in the Gospel of Luke, chapter 8. The father’s name was Jairus, an important Synagogue Official of that day. The Minister was none other than Jesus, Who healed and raised Jairus’ daughter from the dead. His words to Jairus in the face of his daughter’s death are just as powerful today as they were then. “Don’t be afraid. Just have faith ” (Luke 8:50) or, “Don’t be afraid, Just believe.”
Fear is the enemy of faith. Fear produces results in satan’s kingdom, just like faith produces results in God’s kingdom. Satan controls the kingdoms of this world, and they are run by fear. The Kingdom of God is controlled and activated by the Word of God, which works by and through faith. When we face impossible circumstances in life, and when it seems to be too late, we must realize that God is always on time. If we refuse to be controlled by fear and take a stand of faith, even the most difficult and challenging circumstances can change in our favor.
When ministering on Jairus’ behalf, Jesus proved that even the finality of death can be reversed by faith. Perhaps you have experienced the death of your dreams, the death of a relationship, the death of your business, or the death of your peace of mind. When you face these circumstances, cast down fear, and exercise faith in God’s Word. When you do, resurrection power flows from God through you to turn your situation around.
MIRACULOUS WORDS
The only thing that can stop our success is fear. We must cast down fear, and release our faith. The same words that miraculously changed Jairus’ life can change our lives as well. “Don’t be afraid, Just believe!”
