When we encounter times of hardship, we can find ourselves feeling hopeless and afraid. In Mark 4:35–5:43, several stories demonstrate that faith overcomes fear when our hope is in Jesus.

Jesus Conquers Danger

The first story tells what happened when Jesus and His disciples were on a boat in the middle of a storm. Waves crashed, strong winds blew, and water was filling the boat. In great fear, the disciples asked Jesus if He even cared. This question was absurd — the God of the universe voluntarily became a baby, came down to earth, and went to a cross to die for us. We can be confident that He cares about us.

The wind and the waves did not gradually become still like they naturally would; they were immediately calm at Jesus’s words of rebuke. Through this miracle, He showed that He controls not only the wind and the waves but also the laws of nature.

Jesus Conquers Demons

The second story tells of a demon-possessed man who was sent into isolation because he could not be controlled. He was not only isolated from society but also tormented by the voices inside his head. He cried out in anguish and cut himself with stones. The devil wants you to harm and destroy yourself. He wants to be the voice in your head that’s driving you crazy. Jesus showed this man how much He cared by casting the demons into the pigs.

Rather than wanting to know more about Jesus after seeing this incredible display of power, the townspeople wanted nothing to do with Him. They didn’t want to inconvenience their comfortable lives, so they turned Him away. Do you desire comfort and control of your own life more than an encounter with the Savior?

Jesus Conquers Disease

Being desperate with no other options left, Jairus begged Jesus to come heal his daughter. On the way, they met a woman who had suffered with a discharge of blood for twelve years, causing her to be unclean and alone. She touched Jesus’s garment and was healed. Jesus told her that her faith in Him was what had made her well. We have been saved by grace alone through faith alone.

Jesus Conquers Death

After this, Jairus received the news that his daughter was dead. In his hopelessness, Jesus spoke these words to him: “Do not fear; only believe.” You will need these words at some point in your life too. Take them to heart and drive their roots deep.

The Lord of wind, waves, demons, and disease demonstrated that He is also the Lord of death and life. He continued to Jairus’s home, took the girl by the hand, and raised her into life.

There will be a moment when you experience hopelessness and fear in your life. You must speak truth to yourself, combatting lies with the words of Scripture. You must have faith and hope in Jesus.

Who is this Man? This is the Son of God! Live your life for Him!