The Scripture states that a woman with “an issue of blood” had been sick and suffered for twelve long years. Over time, she had visited many physicians and “healers” and had spent all her funds to alleviate her problem, yet she was still suffering. No one could heal her. She had heard of and believed in Jesus’ ability and desire to help and restore people in need, like her. She sought Him among the crowds, convinced that if she could just touch the tassel of His prayer shawl, she would be healed. Her plan was to quietly touch His garment, receive her healing unnoticed, and leave.
The multitudes crowded Jesus pushing on every side. Pressing through the crowd, she came up behind Jesus and touched the tassel of his prayer shawl. Instantly her bleeding stopped and she was healed. Jesus suddenly stopped and said to his disciples, “Someone touched me. Who is it?” While they all denied it, Peter pointed out, “Master, everyone is touching you, trying to get close to you. The crowds are so thick we can’t walk through all these people without being jostled. Jesus replied, “Yes, but I felt power surge through me. Someone touched me to be healed, and they received their healing.”
When the healed woman saw that she couldn’t hide any longer, she came and fell trembling at Jesus feet. Then, in the presence of all the people, she declared, “I was desperate to touch you, Jesus, for I knew if I could just touch even the fringe of your robe I would be healed.” Jesus, honored her by saying, “Daughter, your faith has made you well! Enter into peace”- the untroubled and undisturbed well-being brought about by an encounter with the living Christ. “Beloved daughter, your faith in me has released your healing. You may go in peace.”
As we look at this woman’s life, we can learn many things. First, she had a positive attitude and kept on looking for an answer to her problem, even though she had been sick for many years. She could have easily given up and gotten stuck in the negativity-the hopelessness, self-pity, fear, or the habit of constantly moaning and complaining that would have kept her from believing and seeking change for the better. I’m sure she had been disappointed after many doctors’ visits, but her past disappointments did not cripple her present faith.
Second, the whole of her determined focus was on Jesus, and only Jesus. She had expected and believed Him for relief and healing, yet Jesus had so much more for her. In addition to physical healing, Jesus wanted to recognize her, talk to her, honor her, and bless her with His peace. He also gave her the opportunity to tell about her miracle. Her life gave testimony that true and tried faith will be rewarded and honored by God.
Today, let’s follow in her wise footsteps as we seek healing and help for our times of need.
“And He said to her, ‘Daughter, your faith [your confidence and trust in Me] has made you well! Go [enter] into peace [untroubled, undisturbed well-being]‘” (Luke 8:48).
