Don’t be afraid; only believe

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Thinking about yesterday’s story of Jesus calming the storm, the main lesson is the one on faith he taught the disciples:

Jesus reprimanded the disciples: “Why are you such cowards? Don’t you have any faith at all?” (Mark 4.40, MSG)

Why did he reprimand them for their lack of faith? It’s simple, he told them they were going to the other side–not go out into the middle of the lake and drown!

Late that day he said to them, “Let’s go across to the other side.” (Mark 4.35, MSG)

He was a little more gentle with Jairus after his daughter died, and Jesus was on his way to raise her from the dead:

Do not be afraid; only believe. (Mark 5.36, NKJV)

That’s always our choice, isn’t it? Fear or faith?

There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love. We love because he first loved us. (1 John 4.18, 19, ESV)

Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, “I believe; help my unbelief!” (Mark 9.24, ESV)

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