Continuation of the Weekly Word… [5.7.21]
Mark 5:25-29: A large crowd followed Jesus and pressed around him. And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years. She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse. When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, because she thought, “If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed.” Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering.
The woman with the issue of blood in Mark’s gospel chapter five is a remarkable story of a woman who had fortitude, will power and a radical faith. This a great combination to see something miraculous take place. She had tried everything and she had spent all that she had, yet she only grew worse. Did you get that? She did everything she knew to do, yet it didn’t get better, it got worse! But here’s the key: she didn’t give in, she didn’t give out and she didn’t give up- she didn’t quit! She still had faith and she still believed. Her declaration was this: “If I can only but touch the hem of His garment, then I will made well.” Have you tried everything, but still no answer? Have you spent all that you have and it’s only gotten worse? You’ve spent time, money and it still never got any better. The woman with the issue of blood had tried everything. She had tried doctors and home remedies and special treatments, but to no avail. However, when she touched the hem of Jesus’ garment she was immediately made well. It was her desperation that drove her to Jesus, but it was her faith that was the conduit for her healing! In the book of Ephesians Paul tells us this: “Having done all stand!” Sometimes you have to stand in faith when nothing is happening. I want to encourage you today to put your faith in the finished work of Christ and stand in faith believing that He is who He said He was and that He will do what He said He will do! Don’t give up! Your answer may be closer than you think. When Jesus passes by, it only takes one touch.
Prayer: Father, today I pray for everyone that is reading this. I pray that you be with them. I pray that you will strengthen and establish their faith in a new way today. I pray that you will encourage them. I pray that you will bless them. I pray that they will find a faith that doesn’t quit when things get worse. I pray that their declaration will be: “If only I can touch Jesus.” I pray that their faith will be strengthened and that they will be renewed and refreshed today in their faith! In Jesus name, Amen.
Main Thought for the Week: Faith is powerful and faith is the beginning of all things! Without faith it is impossible to please God. The beginning of faith and the beginning of pleasing God is believing that He exists and that He is a rewarder of those that earnestly seek Him. So, does faith really matter? Yes it does! And whom and what you put your faith in matters just as much. I want you to know today that you can put your faith in God, because He is faithful!
