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 had spent all her funds to alleviate her problems-without success. No one could heal her. She had heard of and believed in Jesus’ ability and desire to help and restore to health people in need, like her. She sought Him among the crowds, convinced that if she could just touch the fringe of His garment, she would be healed. Her plan was to quietly touch Him, receive her healing unnoticed, and leave.
The multitudes surrounding Jesus pressed on every side as she came up behind Him, touched the hem of his garment, and received her healing. Contrary to her plan, Jesus said, “Who is it that touched Me?” His disciples replied that the whole crowd was touching him! But Jesus said, “Someone touched Me, for I perceive that healing power has gone forth from Me.”
When the woman saw that she had not escaped notice, she approached, trembling and falling down before Him. Then, in the presence of all the people, she declared why she had touched Him and that she had been cured. 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.
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 years. She could have given up and gotten stuck in negativity-the hopelessness, self-pity, fear, or 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 for physical healing, yet Jesus had so much more for her. In addition to physical healing, He wanted to recognize her, talk to her, honor her, and bless her with His peace. He gave her the opportunity to tell about her miracle. Her life gave testimony that true faith will be rewarded and honored by God.
Today, let’s follow in her 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).
