— From the distaff side —

“Be Not Afraid”

These words might sound really insensitive to one facing a situation where fear is trying its best to overwhelm.  But these are the very words Jesus spoke to Jairus who had just received the report of his daughter’s death (Mark 5:35,36).  The bearer of this  bad report had also counseled Jairus; “Why trouble the Master about it any further?” We might well have agreed — death appears so final.

But aren’t you glad Jesus isn’t limited by the natural?  He countered these words from a radically different view, the supernatural — God’s!  He said to Jairus that which He yet says to each of us today: "Be not afraid, only believe" — Mk 5:35.  How could Jairus or you and I today, ONLY believe and NOT be afraid in a needful, even desperate situation?  But consider this: would a perfectly righteous and holy God tell, even command us — “Be not afraid, only believe” if it were not possible?  Of course not!

It’s imperative to actually know the person in whom we’re to believe; knowing their character, their words and deeds — all of which are essential to having a genuine trust.  We can come to know our God in just that way.  We do so by filling and thus renewing our minds with His written Word; by fellowshipping with Him in worship and prayer and walking in obedience.  Most critical, our faith must find its deepest roots in His love for us.  We must be convinced that He IS perfect love — eternal, faithful, unchanging, unilateral, selfless and unconditional.  (Reviewing these scriptures will help: Eph 1:3-7; 2:4-13; 1Jn 3:1; 2;Rev 1:5b,6; 1Jn 4:10 and 1John 4:8b,16.)

Coming to understand and believe these truths is what fills our hearts with trust in His every Word and empowers us to believe He will always do exactly what He says.  It is His perfect love that overcomes all doubt and fear; the arch-enemies of faith.  "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear" — 1John 4:1.  God’s perfect love is our unshakable confidence when seemingly hopeless circumstances would otherwise tear us apart (1Jn4:16).

His forgiving, merciful love spoke to our hearts as we heard John 3:16, birthing faith to repent of sin and receive the saving life of His Son into our hearts.  This same love ever implores us to plumb and experience its powerful depths, giving faith for each day; enabling us to throw off our “beggarly garments” and joyfully run to Jesus for the miracle we need.  May we ever pray: Lord, establish my heart in Your love; "what time I am afraid, I will trust in Thee" — Ps 56:3.  "I believe; help me in my unbelief" — Mk 9:24.  — D.

ABOUT US:  Founded in 1993, Hallelujah Living Ministries is a donation-based, non-denominational Christian outreach to uplift, inform and challenge followers of Jesus Christ.  For more information or a copy of our always-free print newsletter, please include a  postal mail address along with your comments and prayer requests. Thank you for visiting  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

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