Just Have Faith

Mark 5:36: “Disregarding the message that was reported, Jesus said to the synagogue official, “Do not be afraid, just have faith.”

Commentary:

I learned from a speaker many years ago at a Sex Addiction Conference a great acronym for fear: False Evidence Appearing Real.  The speaker commented that many addictive behaviors are fueled by fears that are based on false internal messages that we tell ourselves. These false internal messages take many forms such as “I am unloved by God and others”, “I don’t need others, I need to do it alone”, and “I don’t want to talk about it. It won’t help me feel better”. These false internal messages are a hindrance to the faith Jesus is asking us to have in him. It seems that Jesus actions of disregarding the message, and his instruction to “just have faith” are a reminder of the importance of having faith in the moment and in action. I have learned that faith in the moment and in action is putting my trust in Jesus and those He has brought into my life (eg. spiritual directors, sponsors, etc.) to help me learn how to disregard the false internal messages in favor of messages of faith, hope, and love.