"Do not be afraid; only believe" (Mark 5:36).

These words have increased my faith.

In verse 22 of Mark 5, Jairus, a ruler of the synagogue, came to Jesus to ask healing for his little girl. He actually fell at Jesus' feet and begged Him. So Jesus went with Jairus to his house.

On the way, Jesus was delayed by the woman who touched the hem of His garment, and while He was talking to her, someone from Jairus' house came to say, "Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?" (Mark 5:35).

Does this sound familiar? Does satan lie to you saying there is no need to pray, that your prodigal is too far gone away from God, that he or she can never be saved, that you are wasting your time when you pray for him or her?

When Jesus heard those words, He said to Jairus, "Do not be afraid; only believe."

We've prayed. Jesus has been invited to work in the lives of our prodigals. When our faith is low, we just have to remember these words: "Do not be afraid; only believe." That is what Jesus said.

That is what He says to us. Do not be afraid; only believe.

When Jesus arrived at Jairus' house, there was a commotion, as we would expect. He said, "Why make this commotion and weep?" (Verse 39). Why do we trouble ourselves and fret when Jesus is on the job?

We know what He did next. He told the little girl to arise, and SHE DID!

I believe the LORD is saying that to all of our prodigals: "ARISE! Come back to life!"

And they will.

But in the meantime, do not be afraid. ONLY BELIEVE!