How to Be Blessed By God
When Bad News Comes
Scripture: Luke 8:49-50
While Jesus was still speaking, someone came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue ruler. “Your daughter is dead,” he said. “Don’t bother the teacher any more.”
50 Hearing this, Jesus said to Jairus, “Don’t be afraid; just believe, and she will be healed.”
What do you do when bad news comes? What is your first reaction? What emotions start overwhelming you? Most of us in the church get along fairly well as we walk with our Lord. Each day, we get out of bed, head to work and do our best to live a Christ honoring life. Then the phone rings…bad news comes upon us. Ten minutes before this, we were happy and praising God for our blessings. Bad news throws us into the battle for peace and inner calm. Bad news tends to rob us of the feelings of trust that were so strong before this new turn of events came crashing down on us.
Our scripture today tells the story of Jairus. His emotions were on a roller coaster ride. First, his daughter fell sick…very sick…she was dying! This father’s heart was broken. He decides to go to Jesus – begging him to come to his house and heal his daughter. When Jesus agreed to go, Jairus’ hopes were lifted. He undoubtedly had more energy than he had felt in days. Then, on the journey, someone came from his house and gave him the bad news. She had died! Once again, this father’s heart sank and his hopes were dashed! (Have you ever been on this type of emotional roller coaster?) Jesus looked into the eyes of this father and said, “Don’t be afraid – just believe!” I’m sure that wasn’t an easy directive to follow, but it was the path to a tremendous blessing. His daughter was brought back to life! Next time bad news comes, listen carefully – you’ll hear Jesus say, “Don’t be afraid – just believe!”
“Father, remind me to immediately reject fear, the next time trouble knocks at my door! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”