For God is working in you,
giving you the desire and the power
to do what pleases Him.
Philippians 2:13 (NLT)
Series: The Gift of Faith
Are you facing moments of uncertainty, fear, or doubt—when circumstances seem overwhelming? Do you struggle to hold on to hope? God’s word reminds us that faith is the key to victory.
Powerful verses in scripture encourage us to believe God’s promises, even when everything around us suggests otherwise. Faith is not ignoring reality, but trusting in the One who has power over all things. As we do, we find strength, peace, and the fulfillment of His promises.
In Mark 5, we meet Jairus, a synagogue leader who went to Jesus in desperation, hoping He would heal his dying daughter. However, before Jesus could reach her, messengers arrived with heartbreaking news—she had died. From a human perspective, all hope was gone.
Jesus immediately countered that viewpoint with a challenge:
“Do not be afraid; only believe.” (Mark 5:36 NASB)
Jesus inspired Jairus to choose faith over fear, even in the face of what seemed like an irreversible situation.
How often do we find ourselves in a similar position? We pray, believe, hope, but sometimes things take a turn for the worse. In these moments, fear increases. Jesus’ words remind us that faith and fear cannot coexist. We must make a choice. Fear paralyzes, but faith propels us forward. Fear focuses on the problem, while faith fixes its eyes on Jesus.
Jairus trusted Jesus beyond what he could see or understand. Because he did, he witnessed a miracle—his daughter was brought back to life. This story teaches us that even when fear whispers, “It’s over,” faith declares God is still in control.
Luke 8:50 echoes the same message:
“Do not be afraid; only believe, and she will be made well.”
Jesus spoke these words in response to the devastating news of the young girl’s death. To the crowd, it seemed foolish to hope. But Jesus knew the truth—death was not the last word.
Situations may test our faith when they seem beyond repair. When things fall apart, it’s easy to lose hope. But Jesus tells us the same thing He told Jairus: Do not be afraid. Only believe.
Faith does not deny the circumstances; it believes God’s reality is greater than the situation. Even when we don’t see immediate results, God is still working. The same Jesus who raised Jairus’ daughter is the same God who moves in our lives today. He specializes in turning impossible situations into testimonies of His power.
Luke 1:45 declares:
“Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of those things which were told her from the Lord.”
Elizabeth spoke these words to Mary, who had just received the news that she would give birth to the Messiah. Mary’s situation was difficult. She was a young, unmarried woman, facing the unknown. But she believed in God’s promise. Because of her faith, God blessed her.
Faith leads to blessings. When we trust God’s word, we position ourselves to receive His promises. This doesn’t mean the journey will always be easy—Mary walked through uncertainty, faced criticism, and trusted God daily. And because she believed, she saw the fulfillment of what God had spoken.
We struggle with doubt because we focus on what we don’t see. Faith isn’t seeing first—it’s believing first. Hebrews 11:1 tells us:
“Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
When we trust in God’s promises, we step into the blessings He has prepared for us.
If we want to live with the faith that overcomes fear, we must actively cultivate it. Here are a few ways to strengthen our faith:
1. Stay in God’s Word – Romans 10:17 teaches, “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” The more we immerse ourselves in Scripture, the stronger our faith becomes. God’s word reminds us of His promises and His faithfulness.
2. Pray with Expectation – Prayer is not just asking; it’s believing God hears and answers. Mark 11:24 says, “Whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.”
3. Remember Past Victories – When fear creeps in, remember how God has been faithful in the past. He came through before, He will come through again.
4. Surround Yourself with Faith-Filled People – Just as Elizabeth encouraged Mary, we need people in our lives who speak faith and not fear. Find a community that will encourage and uplift you in your walk with God.
5. Act on Your Faith – James 2:17 tells us that faith without action is dead. Stepping out in faith requires us to take bold steps before we see results. Trust God, and move forward in obedience.
The words of Mark 5:36, Luke 8:50, and Luke 1:45 remind us that faith is not a feeling—it is a choice. When fear tries to take over, Jesus tells us, “Do not be afraid; only believe.” When things seem impossible, He says, “Only believe, and it will be made well.” When we struggle with doubt, He assures us, “Blessed is she who believed.”
No matter what you’re facing today, hold on to faith. God is faithful to His promises, and He is always at work—even when we don’t see it. Choose to believe and watch how He turns your situation around for His glory. Faith opens the door to miracles, and when we trust Him, we will see His goodness in ways beyond our imagination. Keep believing! God’s not finished. He is still writing your story.
Holding Fast to Hope,
Stephanie
Scripture References: Mark 5:21-43, 11:24; Luke 1:35-49, 8:40-56; Hebrews 11:1; Romans 10:17; James 2:17
