Matthew 9:21
"She said to herself, "If I only touch his cloak, I will be healed."
I was reading this passage in Matthew 9 last night, and was struck by the faith of this woman. I never thought about her condition before, but in other passages of scripture it describes her as a woman with a bleeding disorder, who had been bleeding for years upon years. This was not a small thing. I don't know why but I never before realized the struggle that this must have been for her.
I can only imagine the debilitation of such a disorder in the time where modern medicine and medical conveniences didn't exist. Just getting out of her house must have been a feat, much less taking the time to find and follow this man who claimed to be able to heal and forgive.
She believed that she would find comfort in the presence of Jesus, and she did whatever it took to get close to Him. It may have cost her embarrassment, humiliation, and shame- but she sought after it as though it were her final hope. And ultimately, it was.
That's faith.
Faith that was recognized by Jesus.
I can't say that I understand the struggles and difficulties that come with severe and chronic illness, but I do understand pain. I may not have experienced physical pain like so many have, but I have definitely experienced emotional pain, relational pain, and sometimes even spiritual pain.
I was struck by the faith of this woman...because I know what it feels like to be in pain and need a healer. But it's easy to want healing...and a whole other thing to seek it out.
I am challenged by her diligence, and her drive to find Jesus, to follow Him, and to touch Him. I want that for my life. You see, I believe He has the power to heal, to cleanse, to fill...but I fail to seek Him, to follow Him, and to touch Him in my life.
I want that kind of faith. A faith that doesn't just believe...but one that acts on my beliefs.
Maybe you too are dealing with some sort of pain in your life, in need of a healing touch. Maybe your strength is gone, your body is weak, and your mind is confused. Maybe you believe in a God who can heal, comfort, and transform...and take that pain.
Be diligent to find Him, to follow Him, and to touch Him. Make time for Him in your day and invite Him into your pain. Let your beliefs bring you close to the God who heals...and allow yourself to be made new in His presence.
