“While he was still speaking, there came from the ruler’s house some who said, “Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?” But overhearing what they said, Jesus said to the ruler of the synagogue, “Do not fear, only believe.”” Mark 5:35-36

Here we have someone seeking Jesus and others telling him not to bother or trouble Jesus. Often I have heard of words similar to this that have discouraged people from coming to Jesus. They are given harsh statements by others such as, “Jesus would never forgive what you’ve done!”, “You want to go to a church?! Watch our for lightening!” and various other remarks that keep them from walking in faith.

I once had someone ask me to pray for them and their words continue to stick with me. They remarked how they could pray to God for their spouse and kids, but didn’t think that He thought about or cared about their problems. Somehow praying for others was the right thing to do and somewhere along the line praying for yourself was selfish. I watched tears pour down their face as I prayed and shared how God wanted a personal relationship with them and that part of that was being able to pour out His love and goodness and be with us in hard times.

I think of these words in red today, “Do not fear, only believe”. I wonder how many people are bound in fear instead of experiencing freedom and peace in coming to Jesus. There are many things that can keep us back from just believing His words and living our lives for Him.

What is holding you back from believing today? Maybe you’re one step away from an answered prayer and another’s words have sought to deter you. I encourage you with these words today, have faith, seek Jesus! If you only believe, you too can see faith made sight like this ruler who later saw his daughter live!