Thursdays – Dawn’s Devotions for Writers
“Ignoring what they said, Jesus told the synagogue ruler,
‘Don't be afraid; just believe.’” (Mark 5:26 NIV)
Today’s Scripture comes from the story told about the synagogue ruler, Jairus, who pleaded with Jesus to help his daughter who was dying. Jairus wanted Jesus to return with him to his home, lay hands on the little girl, and provide healing.
Jesus went with him, but on the journey, a woman who also desired healing moved through the crowd of people surrounding Jesus and touched the hem of his garment. She was immediately healed of her bleeding.
Our Lord stopped and searched the crowd for the woman, wanting to speak with her. The healed woman fell at his feet, trembling with fear. “He said to her, ‘Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering’” (Mark 5:34).
Taking time for the woman delayed Jesus in reaching the child. A message arrived that the little girl had died. The messengers were convinced it was too late. There was no reason for Jesus to go to Jairus’ home.
“Ignoring what they said, Jesus told the synagogue ruler, ‘Don't be afraid; just believe’” (Mark 5:26 NIV). When Jesus arrived at the home, he took the child’s hand and told her to wake up. Immediately the girl stood up and walked around. The people were stunned.
If you read last week’s devotion, you might remember that I wrote about being patient with people who don’t “get” our need to write—or who don’t understand what it takes to be successful as a writer. It was an encouragement to be patient with those who can’t—or won’t support our dreams. But what about believing in ourselves?
Remember that your passion—your desire to write— comes from God. He placed in your heart a calling to write for him. That doesn’t mean success is going to happen overnight—or even come close to being easy.
There may be days when you feel discouraged by rejection letters. There may be times when you feel empty—when the words just aren’t there. There may be moments, hours, or even weeks when you feel that you just can’t do it. It’s too difficult.
Believe in your dream—and in a Savior who understands not only what you experience, but who believes in you.
A metal cutout hanging on my wall only says, “Believe.” It’s a constant reminder. We need to believe in our dreams … and in ourselves. God is on our side. He didn’t give us our dreams to not see them come true.
“Don’t be afraid; just believe” (Mark 5:26 NIV).
