Mark 5:35 While Jesus was still speaking, some men came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue ruler. “Your daughter is dead,” they said. “Why bother the teacher anymore?”

“Bad news travels fast.”  It’s an old saying but today the speed is staggering and indeed the negative stuff still gets quicker and more widespread attention. News of death is still the most devastating and the “kick-in-the gut” nature of it is disabling. Almost as disabling is any news which has negative life-changing impact, such as a medical diagnosis or a job loss. Individuals respond differently, but for the most part there is usually some element of disbelief and helplessness.

Jairus, the synagogue ruler, had a gravely ill daughter so he went to find Jesus and pleaded with him to return home with him to touch and heal her. Jesus’ journey to Jairus’ home was delayed when he stopped to heal a woman who had been ill for 12 years. Just before he finished attending to her, Jairus’ servants arrived with bad news – his daughter was dead.

Jesus ignored the bearers of bad news but he turned to Jairus, who you can be sure was stunned at the news, and said “Don’t be afraid, just believe.” What a relief he must have felt. The Master had spoken. Jesus went with him and was greeted by much crying and wailing. Jesus called it “commotion” and said the child was not dead but asleep. The human response of those present was to laugh Jesus to scorn. Wow! Despite all that was known at that time about previous miracles Jesus had done, they laughed at him! But Jesus took charge of the situation. He put them all out except for the girl’s parents and his disciples who had come with him. Then he spoke to the child: “Little girl, I say to you, get up!” Not only did she get up, she walked around.

Believer, it is likely you will have a human response to your bad news, but rest assured, firstly that God is never surprised by whatever that event is. Secondly, he is not confused as to whether he can help you. Thirdly, always he will say to you “Don’t be afraid, just believe.” He will walk with you through it.