Mark 5:27a (NLT)
She had heard about Jesus…
Some things are worth fighting for. In fact, many things are worth fighting through. The woman with the issue of blood was in dire need of a solution. Her life literally depended on it. She’d been through so much with no solution that could change her circumstance. Her bleeding wouldn’t stop.
Imagine how she must have felt:
- She was lonely. No one would be near her. She couldn’t be touched because she had a blood disorder. Based on Leviticus 15:25-27, if others touched her they would become defiled, as well. That means that she likely hadn’t had a hug from family members for twelve years.
- She was afraid. She couldn’t stop bleeding. She must have wondered if this issue would kill her, if she would ever be around people again, or if she’d ever be accepted as a part of the family again.
- She was fed up. This issue had gone on long enough. She’d suffered, was in consistent distress, paid doctors with all the money she had, and now was feeling worse than before. Something had to change. Her life had to change.
Verse 27 tells us that the woman heard about Jesus. Whatever she heard was enough to make her go out into the crowd- among the very people who would not be near her, or touch or, or even speak to her. She found a way to get close to Jesus. She had to have been on her knees, pushing her way through the crowd to ensure that she was fairly undetected. It was probably the best way to get where she needed to be. Her level of desperation provided the focus and fuel to get her fingers on His “fringe” (verse 27)- the very end of his robe. That’s all she needed. That’s all it took. She was healed immediately. Right then and there she felt that now unfamiliar feeling- she wasn’t bleeding anymore. Done. Finished. She had demonstrated the kind of faith that changed her life (verse 34).
Now is not the time to lose heart. Desperate times call for desperate measures and we need God to respond to us like never before. The woman heard, believed and went in pursuit of what she needed.
When life is challenging, and the issues seem to go on without any noticeable end, we have ways to fight for what we need:
- Pray. God is listening. We can tell Him what’s on our hearts and everything we need. He will respond.
- Read scripture. There’s no substitute for reading the words in the Bible. We’ll gain clarity about who God is by reading and learning about what He has in store for us. His promises are there.
- Reach out. We shouldn’t accept the feeling that we’re alone. The woman in the text was persistent. She acted on her own behalf, even though she was probably weak from her disorder and discouraged because of her social isolation and poverty. We can reach out to someone to let them know that we’re having a hard time.
- Watch videos from trusted bible teachers. We can be encouraged by those who’ve studied the scriptures and can explain biblical principles in a way that allows us to follow through in our own lives.
- Listen to music that inspires. Music does calm the savage in us. Our moods can be lightened when we listen to upbeat or calm melodies- whatever works.
- Seek counseling. We’ll benefit from honestly expressing where we are emotionally. It might be time to ask our friends to refer a professional they know or use themselves. Many counselors are providing services through telepractice options such as video and telephone. We can’t allow pride to stop us from getting the help we need.
- Laugh. Laughing actually changes our body chemistry. Sometimes we just have to be deliberate about finding riddles, jokes, comedians, or comedic shows that will help shift our mood in the right direction.
The woman with the issue of blood teaches us a lesson on tenacity. Some things take time and are worth fighting for. We have to go after what we need with vigor- our emotional health, spiritual well-being and overall sanity depend on it. God will respond as we take action.
Prayer
Lord, Thank you for teaching us to how to take care of ourselves. We can persistently go after what’s good for us and receive the relief we need. Give us direction as we push through these difficult days.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen
Live well,
Michele