“When Jesus overheard what was said, He told the synagogue leader, “Don’t be afraid. Only believe.” Mark 5:36 CSB
The verse above comes from a time when Jesus was talking to a large crowd. A guy named Jarius, who was a synagogue leader, came to him and begged Him to heal his sick daughter. As Jesus goes with him to help, a woman who has been bleeding for 12 years touches His robe and is healed because of her faith in Jesus. Think what it would be like to have Aunt Flo (a woman’s monthly menstruation) visit for 12 solid years. I know I would be desperate for healing from that agony. As Jesus stops to address her, telling her “your faith has saved you. Go in peace and be healed” (Mark 5: 34 CSB), people came from Jarius’s house. His daughter had died and they had come to tell him. Jesus overhears the conversation, that is when He tells Jarius, “Don’t be afraid. Only believe.” He does raise the daughter back to life and Jarius faith grows even stronger. The entire story can be found in Mark 5:21-43.
Jarius and the bleeding woman were both filled with fear for two very different reasons. But they had faith in the love of Jesus. Both of them trusted Him to fix their problems, both of them trusted Him to help them overcome their fears. There is a song I love to listen too, especially when I am facing a fear. “Stand in His Love,” by Bethel Music helps me remember Jesus’ love is stronger than any of my fears:
When darkness tries to roll over my bones
When sorrow comes to steal the joy I own
When brokenness and pain is all I know
Oh, I won’t be shaken, no, I won’t be shaken
My fear doesn’t stand a chance
When I stand in Your love (Chorus)
Shame no longer has a place to hide
I am not a captive to the lies
I’m not afraid to leave my past behind
Oh, I won’t be shaken, no, I won’t be shaken!
My fear doesn’t stand a chance
When I stand in Your love (Chorus)
Jarius and the bleeding woman could relate to these lyrics. Jarius was filled with sorrow as he faced his daughters death. The poor woman bleeding was filled with shame, brokenness and pain. But they knew Whose love to stand in and they were saved from their agony. We can do the same today. Whatever fear you’re facing, stand in Jesus love, there your fear doesn’t stand a chance. If you would like to listen to the song, you can do that here. I’ve been known at times, when I’m gripped with fear to listen to this over and over again until I find the peace only Jesus can give. You can do the same today, knowing Jesus’ love can overcome any fear!
