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“WHILE he was still speaking, some people came from the synagogue leader’s house, saying, ‘Your daughter is dead. Why bother the teacher anymore?’ Jesus, overhearing what they said, told the synagogue leader, ‘Do not be afraid; just believe.’ He took her by the hand and said to her, ‘Talitha koum!’ (which means ‘Little girl, I say to you, get up!’). Immediately the girl (she was 12 years old) stood up and began to walk around. At this they were completely astonished.” — Mark 5:35-36; 41-42
Today, we find ourselves in the midst of a desperate situation. A synagogue ruler’s daughter lies on her deathbed and just as Jesus is about to arrive, news comes that she has died. What was spoken are words of despair: “Why trouble the teacher any longer?”
But Jesus’ response is one of hope: “Do not be afraid; just believe.”
Dreams and hopes can often seem lost, but with God, restoration and resurrection are possible.We have all been there — when our dreams seem to slip away and when the words of others can be discouraging.
We may feel like giving up, as the situation appears hopeless.
But Jesus’ remarks, directed at the synagogue ruler, are words of hope, even for us today:
“Do not be afraid; just believe.”
Jesus did not let the circumstances dictate his response.
He looked beyond the present moment and saw the possibility of restoration.
He saw the girl not as she was, but as she could be.
When we exercise faith, like Jesus, we can tap into the power of God and our dreams can be restored.
The story does not end with death; it ends with life.
Jesus takes the girl’s hand, and she rises.
No matter how impossible the situation may seem, you have to tell it, “Talitha koum”; yes, tell that situation, “Talitha koum.”
God can bring life to our dead dreams.
He can restore what has been lost and give us hope for the future.
So, what does this mean for us today? It means no matter what we are facing, we can hold onto hope.
We can trust that God is able to restore and resurrect our dreams. We can believe that He is the God of possibilities, not limitations. When others may say “It is too late”, “It is impossible” or “Give in or give up”, we can choose to believe in the God of hope.
Do not bury your dreams; do not shatter your hopes.
Hold onto them and trust that God can restore and resurrect them.
Remember the words of Jesus: “Do not be afraid; just believe.”
Find hope and courage in these words and may your dreams be restored and resurrected in Jesus’ name.
And people will be completely astonished — those who were saying, “Do not trouble the master anymore.”
The God of surprises is about to amaze you!
Online Reporter