‘Jesus had sent them all out of the house.’ Mark 5:40 CEV
When you’re trusting God for a miracle, nothing will drag you down faster than unbelief. Plus, it’s impossible to know what God is doing based on how things look on the surface. ‘Faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.’ (Hebrews 11:1 NIV) So in order to stay strong, it’s important to fill your mind with suitable things: ‘what is true, and honourable, and right.’ (Philippians 4:8 NLT)
Jesus didn’t allow mockery, ridicule and unbelief around Him. Just before He raised Jairus’ daughter from the dead, the people were laughing at Him. When He heard the little girl had died, Jesus told her father, ‘Do not be afraid, only believe.’ (Mark 5:36 NKJV) You can believe, or you can allow fear to undermine your faith. The mockery of others is the fastest way to knock the mustard-seed of faith that you’ve been clutching right out of your hand. So when Jesus went into Jairus’ house, He didn’t take anyone contaminated by contempt. ‘He allowed no one to accompany Him, except Peter, James and John.’ (Mark 5:37 NASB) He put everyone else outside except the little girl’s mother and father and taking her ‘by the hand, He said… ‘Little girl, I say to you, get up!’ Immediately the girl got up and began to walk.’ (Mark 5:41–42 NASB)
When your situation looks impossible, don’t allow those who mock your faith to knock it over. Shut them out and allow God in.
SoulFood: Deut 8–10, Luke 10:1–12, Ps 78:9–16, Pr 16:25
The Word for Today is authored by Bob and Debby Gass and published under licence from UCB International Copyright ©