A TOUCH OF FAITH
By Carolyn Dale Newell
For she said to herself, “If only I may touch His garment, I shall be made well.”
Matthew 9:21 NKJV
For twelve years, she suffered with an unceasing flow of blood. Though not life-threatening, it was debilitating. Her anemic body, frail and thin, zapped her strength. Just getting through the day was exhausting.
She had no one to depend on. Her condition labeled her ceremonially unclean. A social outcast. No family or husband is mentioned. Was she abandoned?
She wasn’t a widow, and Jesus called her “daughter.” Her age might have been difficult to judge since Stress lined her face.
Doctors couldn’t help. Had they never discovered the root of the problem? Had she heard these familiar words: “Let’s try this”?
And when that treatment failed, she heard it again. At one time, she had been wealthy, but now, charlatans had robbed her. Well meaning physicians had depleted her funds also.
Yet, nothing worked. Nothing had helped. Too weak to work and isolated by society, she barely got by.
Discouragement shrouded her until one day, she heard Jesus was near. she had no doubts about her next step. If she could get close enough to touch His robe, healing would come.
She didn’t have to interfere with His busy day. An unclean woman could not approach a rabbi, but Jesus was more than a rabbi. He was the Son of God. She believed.
Faith not only believes; faith moves. With every ounce of life that remained, she willed herself to get to Jesus. No longer did she care about the ceremonial laws. She pressed on through the crowd. She pushed in between the people, and she stooped down.
Her long, skinny fingers found the hem of Jesus’ garment. She experienced the power of Christ. Not only did the flow of blood stop, but her youthful stamina returned.
What she did not expect was Jesus realized she had touched him. The touch of faith released the source of virtue.
Humbly she confessed she had been the one, and immediately, she testified to the power of Christ that had restored her health.
Jesus lovingly says, “Be of good cheer, daughter; your faith has made you well.” (Matt. 9:22b). His endearing words spoke comfort to her.
Friend, what trials burden you today? Do you believe Jesus is the healer of them all, whether they are physical, spiritual, emotional or mental? Now, move in faith. Faith is never stagnant. It presses on. So take that step today and experience Jesus for yourself.
Lord Jesus, we want to know You more, not just know about You. Lord, remove any roadblocks that prevent us from pressing on to experience You. Amen.
DIG DEEPER
Read Mark 5:25-34.
HIKING THE TRAIL
We can know Jesus through His Word, prayer, meditation, worship, and fasting. Which areas can you spend more time on today?
Copyright 2018 Carolyn Dale Newell.
A Mountain of Faith 