Thursday, June 30, 2011 -That's What They Say

"Ignoring what they said, Jesus told the synagogue ruler, 'Don't be afraid; just believe.' 

He did not let anyone follow Him except Peter, James and John the brother of James." 

Mark 5:36

     If Jesus had acted on what "they said," Jairus' daughter would have died at twelve, but Jesus ignored what "they said" and told Jairus, "Don't be afraid; just believe." When He arrived to resuscitate the child, "they laughed at Him" (Mark 5:40). "He put them all out," but "took in only the child's father and mother and the disciples who were with Him, and went in to where the child was." When Jesus told the little girl to get up, "Immediately she stood up and walked around" (Mark 5:40-42).

     Why did Jesus take only the five people in with Him to restore Jairus' daughter to life? He surrounded Himself with the five people available who believed in Him and put the nay-sayers out so "they" could mutter and mock outside the door. 

    Maybe, like me, you've looked at life from both sides of faith. I've been guilty of gathering with the "they-nay" head-shaking side and said, "It can't be done;" "We've never done it that way before;" "It's too hard;" "It's impossible;" "It's too much trouble, too easy, too new, too old, too costly," etc., ad nausea. I've missed a lot of miracles and blessings standing outside that door. 

    However, I've also held hands with others behind the shield of faith, praying in the "God-yea" group for the fulfillment of His will and pooling my mustard seed of faith with others to open the way for His work. On these occasions He graciously draws me in to see Him clothe dry bones, unite the unlikely, rekindle revival, restore the prodigal, rebuild trust, speak through a tongue-tied witness, send personal messages of hope through chaos, and transform a heart or mind.   

     "They" can only defeat what God wants to do through us if we take what "they" say to heart and let them determine on which side of faith we stand. We have no business letting what "they" say intimidate us into missing out on what God is doing among those who "just believe."  

Father, it's what You say that matters. Open the ears of our spirits to hear Your Word clearly. Enlighten our minds to know Your Will. Fill us with courage to ignore what "they" say when it conflicts with what You're doing.  May we experience the Truth of Your promises and be strengthened by them. May we never allow any other person, believer or not, to stop us from entering the place where You're working miracles. 

In the Name of Jesus Who conquered Satan and temptation with You said in Your Word      

"The LORD is my Strength and my Shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped. 

My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to Him in song." 

Psalm 28:7

"But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in Him. 

He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. 

It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. 

It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit." 

Jeremiah 17:7-8

"Who among you fears he LORD and obeys the word of His servant? 

Let him who walks in the dark, who has no light, 

trust in the name of the LORD and rely on his God." 

Isaiah 50:10

Inspired by Live Loved by Max Lucado

photo from my Italy 2010 album