“And he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease.”
Mark 5:34 (RSV)
The woman with the hemorrhage was determined to go see Jesus. It all began by speaking to herself saying, ”If I but touch His clothes, I shall be cured.” In most other gospel accounts of healing, a person is brought to Jesus by friends or family. Scripture doesn’t explain her family situation, only that she suffered with a hemorrhage for twelve years, and came to see Jesus alone. She was probably lonely and physically weak from losing blood over many years. Her healing is unique because she inspired herself to go where Jesus was, to touch the edge of His clothes and to be healed.
There will be times in our lives when we are weak or alone and need to speak faith to ourselves. We may need to go to church alone, go to the doctor alone, pray alone, or troubleshoot problems alone.
During those times, when we feel that no one is around to support us, we need to tell ourselves, as she did, that touching Jesus is all we need. When the woman in this gospel story touched the hem of His garment, she unleashed His power. Jesus instantly felt power leave His body, and turned around, asking who touched Him.
The woman didn’t stand by, dwelling in self pity, and waiting for Jesus to approach her. She initiated her healing by persevering to push through the crowd, and put her faith into action by touching Him first. Immediately the flow of blood dried up and she knew that she was healed of her twelve year affliction. Jesus was impressed with her faith, which started by speaking to herself.
Sometimes we need to speak words of faith to ourselves, and then put our words into action. This woman’s example teaches us that even when we feel weak or alone, or suffer for years, we can still find perseverance deep within, to reach out to Jesus and believe for our miracle. Our faith unleashes God’s power, and if we reach as far as we can, Jesus meets us the rest of the way, saying, “Your faith has healed you, Go in peace.”
Lord, give us the self determination to persevere and believe for our miracle, even when we are alone. Give us the courage and the faith to reach out and touch you, in faith and trust. Amen