And [Abram] believed the Lord, and He counted it to him as righteousness. Gen 15:6 

Jesus said to the ruler of the synagogue, “Do not fear, only believe.” Mark 5:36 

An old man who never saw his dream of having a son fulfilled.  A woman who for 12 years suffered from an illness no doctor could cure.  A man whose 12 year-old daughter has just died.  What do these have in common?  They have fear.  Fear that nothing can possibly change their lot, that any hope would be vain and self-deceiving, that people would look at them with nothing but pity.

They have one more thing in common.  God draws near, reaching out to them with His grace.  A son is promised, healing comes within reach, a prophet announces, "Do not fear, only believe."  And so they do.  They believe, putting their whole trust in the promise of God that when faith conquers fear, the power of God overcomes our weakness and bringsq the impossible to reality.

God accepts this faith as righteousness.  This faith that heals and justifies gives also peace with God.  This faith conquers all things, even death, taking hold of that life that God imparts, a life of joy that enables us to walk in the presence of God without fear.

"Do not fear, only believe."  As you read and ponder these words, think of all that frightens you.  Sadness, sickness, loneliness, depression, unemployment, addiction, persecution, hunger, violence - these and many other ghost may daily haunt and distress you.  What a comfort it is, then, when they come near, to remember the words of Jesus, and truly hear the voice of the Good Shepherd:  "Do not fear, only believe."  Assured by that voice, go forth in peace to live in faith and joy, knowing our Saviour's hand is sustaining, holding, guiding, and blessing His children.

1. Let us ever walk with Jesus,Follow His example pure,Flee the world, which would deceive usAnd to sin our souls allure.Ever in His footsteps treading,Body here, yet soul above,Full of faith and hope and love,Let us do the Father's bidding.Faithful Lord, abide with me;Savior, lead, I follow Thee. 

4. Let us gladly live with Jesus;Since He's risen from the dead,Death and grave must soon release us.Jesus, Thou art now our Head,We are truly Thine own members;Where Thou livest, there live we.Take and own us constantly,Faithful Friend, as Thy dear brethren.Jesus, here I live to Thee,Also there eternally. 

The Lutheran Hymnal, 409Sigismund von Birken, 1653