Fear and Belief (Mk 5:36)

Today's reading is Mark 5-7.

1. The question that prompts fear is "What if." What if I run out of money? What if I lose my job? What if my child makes the wrong decision? You can see from these examples that fear is limiting.
2. The only question that might go with belief is "How." How will God do this? You're not always confused about His will, though you are usually curious about His method.
3. You cannot be full of fear and belief at the same time. At best you remain neutral. At worst, you've become double-minded (Jam 1:8). Either way, you're not going to get very far.
4. You can't choose faith as a way of pretending your fear doesn't exist. No, you must deal with fear first. The command is "Don't be afraid. Only believe" (Mk 5:36, HCSB). Stop fear. Start faith.
5. The starting point is to admit you are afraid. Then identify why you are afraid. Take that directly to Jesus in prayer.