BLOGABOUTIT.COM JULY 21, 2011

FEAR v. BELIEVING

WHAT YOU FEAR WILL COME UPON YOU (JOB 3:25).

In looking at Mark chapter 5 verses 22-42 and Luke chapter 8 verses 41 through 55, we observe Jesus teaching belief over fear and then demonstrating the benefits of it.  Specifically at Mark chapter 5 verse 36 He told a man (who would be considered a church leader by today’s terms) named Jairus to “Be not afraid”.  At Luke chapter 8, verse 50 Jesus’ words are translated as “Fear not” (these are both from the King James Version of the bible).  From both of these scripture sets referenced we acknowledge that apparently, there was some kind of fear that Jesus had perceived was in Jairus.  The way it is presented, it probably would have prevented Jesus from responding to Jairus' request in the affirmative.  Then at again in these same scripture sets we see that He additionally tells him “only believe” and “believe only” respectively.

As Jairus’ fear is dispelled, Jesus goes on to perform the miracle of bringing his dead daughter back to life.

At John chapter 11 starting at about verse 3, Jesus received word that His friend Lazarus was sick.  Jesus at verse 4 and on through to about verse 15 takes time to convey to His disciples that though Lazarus is dead for their belief- sakes, He was glad He wasn’t present there with Lazarus.  Then from within verses 15 through 42, the Master is once again stressing the importance of believing.  Why even at specifically verse 42 He is praying to His God and Father, “And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that You sent me.” (This is the King James Version again).  In laymen’s terms the Master is saying, "Lord, I know you always hear Me  {when I pray} but for the sake of those checking Me out, I’m saying this so they’ll believe it was You Who sent me".

Next at this same Book of John chapter 11 at around verses 47 through 48, the religious leaders at that time, the Pharisees, expressed among themselves their fear of the people believing in Jesus.

Why is it so important for us to “only believe” or “believe only” or for those who oppose Jesus, for us not to believe?  Why is it significant that we just believe and not both believe and fear?  Is it that maybe the combination of both wouldn’t work?  Would it hinder our prayers maybe?   Does our enemy fear our believing because it just might put him to shame and exalt our God’s ability?

Don’t fear.  If you feel it creeping up on you, squash it down.  Let it go.  Pray for it to leave.  And when you pray, pray the scriptures at Mark 5:36 and Luke 8:50 in the Name of Jesus that you will believe only and that fear is uprooted from you, whatever, whoever you fear about.  But believe only, even if you have to tell yourself, I will not fear but I will to believe only.  I CAN’T SAY THIS ENOUGH!  Be the alpha-dog of fearlessness when it comes to believing God.  Allow this to become a lifestyle not an event.  Stay believing only and watch changes begin to take place in life to the good.  DO IT GUYS!  STAY BRAVE in HIS NAME!