Here is today’s Bible reading:  Leviticus 11:1-12:8; Mark 5:21-43; Psalm 38:1-22; Proverbs 10:8-9.

Mark 5:35-42 (NIV)
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 any more?”
[36] Ignoring what they said, Jesus told the synagogue ruler, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.”
[37] He did not let anyone follow him except Peter, James and John the brother of James. [38] When they came to the home of the synagogue ruler, Jesus saw a commotion, with people crying and wailing loudly. [39] He went in and said to them, “Why all this commotion and wailing? The child is not dead but asleep.” [40] But they laughed at him.
After he put them all out, he took the child’s father and mother and the disciples who were with him, and went in where the child was. [41] He took her by the hand and said to her, “Talitha koum!” (which means, “Little girl, I say to you, get up!”). [42] Immediately the girl stood up and walked around (she was twelve years old). At this they were completely astonished.

I have a twelve year old daughter, so this one hits close to home.  I can imagine the desperation this man felt over his little girl.  As he seeks Jesus, his daughter dies.  But with Jesus, death is never the end of the story.  Jesus tells him, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.”  These two actions are diametrically opposed to each other.  You can’t be afraid and believe at the same time.  You will do one or the other.  Even in the face of death, we are called to believe that God has a greater purpose that is for our good and His glory.  Will we believe?