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shouldn’t either. Don’t allow the enemy to use persecution to fall into discouragement.
Who Will You Believe
Persecution isn’t the only way of discourag- ing us. We sometimes get trapped frequently into believing the negative report. In Mark 5, we find a familiar account of Jesus on the way to the house of Jairus, to heal his gravely ill daughter. Jairus received hope because Jesus had agreed to come. But, there was an inci- dent that delayed him, the woman with the issue of blood. If this wasn’t enough, some- thing happened that was designed to destroy Jairus’ faith and hope:
“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?” Mark 5:35(NIV)
Always remember that when you get a romise from the Lord concerning some- thing, you can be sure you’re going to be bombarded with reports saying that just the opposite is true.
Do as Jesus did:
“Ignoring what they said, Jesus told the synagogue ruler, “Don’t be afraid just be- lieve.” Mark 5:36(NIV)
When you get a negative report, ignore it and keep your ears tuned to what Jesus is saying. Reject fear and concentrate on what the Word says about your situation. Jesus dealt with the report immediately. We must do the same. Let’s not ponder it, meditate on it, wonder about it, or try to figure it out. Our answer is to go in faith! If you do this, you will disarm another of the enemy’s weapons of discouragement.
Keep in mind, however, he doesn‘t give up easily. If one thing doesn’t work, he’ll try again. Jesus encountered something when He arrived at Jairus’ house; “When He came in, He said to them,” Why make this com- motion and weep? The child is not dead, butsleeping.”AndtheyridiculedHim. But when He had put them all outside, He took the father and the mother of the child, and those who were with Him, and entered where the child was lying. (Mark 5:39-40). To Be Continued...
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