Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
September 25, 2024
Mark 5:24, 35-43
24 So Jesus went with him. A swarm of people were following Jesus, crowding in on him. 35 While Jesus was still speaking with her, messengers came from the synagogue leader’s house, saying to Jairus, “Your daughter has died. Why bother the teacher any longer?” 36 But Jesus overheard their report and said to the synagogue leader, “Don’t be afraid; just keep trusting.” 37 He didn’t allow anyone to follow him except Peter, James, and John, James’ brother. 38 They came to the synagogue leader’s house, and he saw a commotion, with people crying and wailing loudly. 39 He went in and said to them, “What’s all this commotion and crying about? The child isn’t dead. She’s only sleeping.” 40 They laughed at him, but he threw them all out. Then, taking the child’s parents and his disciples with him, he went to the room where the child was. 41 Taking her hand, he said to her, “Talitha koum,” which means, “Young woman, get up.” 42 Suddenly the young woman got up and began to walk around. She was 12 years old. They were shocked! 43 He gave them strict orders that no one should know what had happened. Then he told them to give her something to eat.
Good Morning! Praise God in all circumstances.
“Don’t be afraid; just keep trusting.”
Fear is a crippling emotion that can take control of our lives. Fear is often associated with a place, person, or thing. When we have had a bad experience, we want to avoid it. I have found that uncertainty is one of my most challenging fears to overcome. Still, I also remember the difficulty of returning to the hospital where Lowell died to comfort a friend after surgery. I dreaded even making the drive. As I approached the door, I prayed for God to give me the strength and courage to enter this place.
God has called me to be a pastor, and I face some of my most challenging experiences with that calling. I thank God for working through me to comfort others while comforting me.
We all face uncertainty. We do not know what tomorrow will bring. By God’s grace, we know God will be with us and ready to pick us up when we feel we can’t move. In those moments, I find comfort in the story of Abraham and Sarah, who listened and followed God even when they couldn’t imagine a fruitful ending. They just kept trusting!
God is God when all things are good in our lives, God is God when our world seems to be crumbling around us, and God promises to be with us always. God is Good all the Time!
Faithful God, Thank you for creating us. Help us release our fear and trust You in all things. Thank you! In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: Trust God and release your fear when trials come.
God is with us always! Pastor Liz
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