Fear vs. Faith: Fear can be bold and convincing. If commas and periods are not put in place over fear, it can take over your whole life. Let’s conquer this “dragon!”
Remember, you can help yourself by looking at your fears. Thought processes can determine the direction of your life. If something in your life hinders your path, think about what it is. Is it a husband, wife, friend, or child? Consider what you can do to heal the problem.
Communication is key. If someone in your life needs understanding or input from another source, get to work on it. Seek ways to communicate with the other party. Husbands and wives, love each other. Prayers can be hindered drastically when Almighty God is not in the healing equation.
Running away from the problem doesn’t mean the problem will disappear. In fact, running away could make it grow larger. You must actively participate in healing the communication problem. It is also helpful when the other party becomes a willing listener—listening with an open, receptive mind. Pretending to listen without true engagement won’t solve anything.
It’s important to note that problems take time to solve. Changing behavior takes time. Problems don’t usually appear overnight.
Consider the woman who suffered from a hemorrhage for 12 years. She had visited many doctors seeking a solution to this ailment that plagued her for so long. Meanwhile, Jairus, one of the rulers of the synagogue, sought Jesus out:
“My daughter is sick at the point of death. I pray you just come and lay your hands on her, and she will be healed and will not die.”
Jairus’ dragon was fear—fear that his daughter would die. But he was looking for and expecting a miracle. He was persistent and would not give up. He had enduring faith until his prayer was answered. He held on.
The woman with the hemorrhage also didn’t give up. That was her “dragon.” She asked for the same thing—healing! Humbly yet boldly, she believed her prayer would be answered. She kept pressing forward.
That’s what your miracle may take—persistence. Some miracles take longer than others, but do not be dismayed. The Lord is listening. Have faith!
Jesus didn’t need the woman to touch Him physically. Because of His inherent and discerning knowledge, He knew when power was released from Him. The woman knew, too, that the fountain of blood had stopped and that she was healed.
Some who were weak in faith tried to discourage Jairus, saying, “Give up. Your daughter is dead.” (The tongue can be a lethal weapon.) When Jesus heard their words of doubt, He immediately spoke to Jairus:
“Be not afraid, only believe.”
Fear can stop your blessings. Listening to those who do not believe can stop your miracle. The unbelievers laughed at Jesus, but He put them all out. Then, comforting the parents, He took them into the house, went to the child, and said:
“I say unto you, arise.”
She got up and started walking.
That dragon—the devil and his ministers—doesn’t want you to have miracles. Defy him in the name of Jesus of Nazareth! If you listen to the naysayers, your miracle can be swallowed up in their unbelief. You may become discouraged and lose your sense of purpose.
Jehovah told Joshua when it was time for him to take Moses’ place:
“Be strong and very courageous. Be not afraid, neither be dismayed. For the Lord thy God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:8)
Faith knocks out fear! Have faith in Godly things. Search your heart and purpose.
Thanks for reading!
Jeanette Grattan Parker is the founder-superintendent of Today’s Fresh Start Charter School, 4514 Crenshaw Boulevard, L.A. 90043. For information, call 323-293-9826 or visit www.todaysfreshstart.org, Ask Dr. Jeanette TM “Inquiring Minds Want to Know.” All articles are copyright. All rights reserved © Questions? Errors? Let me know. References: The Holy Bible. Join Sundays for music and message at 11:30 a.m. by calling (712) 775-8971, code 266751. Don’t stop praying and hoping. “Today is another great day to do good and to be successful.”
