Day Fifty Four: Are You Ignoring Me?
While Jesus was still speaking, some people came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue leader. “Your daughter is dead,” they said. “Why bother the teacher anymore?” Overhearing what they said, Jesus told him, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.” (Mark 5:35-36, NIV)
One of the most challenging aspects of faith is, well, BELIEVING when the natural facts have revealed there is no hope. When circumstances shift in a hopeless direction, fear and disappointment become your most significant counselors. And they always give BAD ADVICE, which is what we see from the verses above. However, the good news is Jesus had and has a solution.
For years, I missed the brilliance of what Jesus did and said. Notice verse 36, “Overhearing what they said, Jesus told him, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.‘” The word “overhearing” here is also the word “ignoring.” When you read the verse in its original context, you’ll notice that Jesus ignores the people’s words. He ignores their reactions, responses, counsel, perspective, assessment, and suggested solution. And to be clear, what were they saying, dismiss Jesus and no longer rely on Him.
Every time you receive counsel to “no longer rely” on Jesus, know that the voice speaking is not godly and dangerous. Always remember that the assignment of the wicked is to convince you to abandon your faith – your Divine persuasion in what God says. In doing so, you will remove yourself from under the umbrella of God’s supernatural, and you will not please God. Let me remind us of Hebrews 11:6 (NIV),
“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.“
So, when the circumstances you are facing begin to speak discouraging advice regarding trusting Jesus, remember what Jesus did. He boldly IGNORED what was being said by people to BELIEVE God. Today, ask God for the boldness and power to ignore fear and believe Him. Thank Jesus for His love and God’s promises, and RELY on them.
Blessings,
Andy Smith