Imagine this type of Faith

Matthew 9:20–22, Mark 5:25–34, Luke 8:43–48 "Who touched me?" Jesus asked. When they all denied it, Peter said, "Master, the people are crowding and pressing against you." But Jesus said, "Someone touched me; I know that power has gone out from me."  For those of you who are not acquainted with this miraculous, powerful story, it is  about an incident that occurred when Jesus was travelling to Jarius's house with a large crowd following Him and pressing against Him. Among the crowd was a woman who suffered from bleeding for 12 years. She spent everything she had on Doctors' but the ailment grew worst. She heard the reports about Jesus and decided to at least touch the hem of his garment in faith, trusting that she is going to get healed. After touching Jesus's garment immediately the flow of blood dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed.

Here's how I imagined the scenario: What if the bleeding lady traveled from afar in pursuit of Jesus? The trip must have been longer than usual because she had to make many restroom stops due to her health condition (bleeding for 12 years). Finally, the bleeding lady reaches her destination, only to find Jesus in the midst of a large, busy crowd. There was no easy access to get to Him, but that didn't stop her. In faith and determination she said to herself, “If I at least touch his clothing, I will heal.” Her faith was astounding because she believed that the power of Jesus could radiate through his clothing. To reach the bottom end of the hem of His garment she had to be on the ground. With tenacity, she squirms on the ground through the large crowd. As the crowd tramples on her, she stretched out her arm and touched the hem of Jesus's garment.

Remember in that century women were considered religiously unclean during their menstrual cycle (monthly periods), therefore women had to socially separate themselves during this time. This implies that the bleeding lady was social distancing for 12 years due to religious rules. When she heard about Jesus, without a doubt she set her heart to seek Him (despite the rules). (Romans 10:17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ).

After she touched Jesus, he looked around to see who touched Him she trembled with fear, because she took a huge risk, she broke the ridiculous religious rules in pursuit of Christ.

Mark 5: 32-34: And He (Jesus) looked around to see her who had done this thing. 33 But the woman, fearing and trembling, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell down before Him and told Him the whole truth. 34 And He said to her, “Daughter,your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be healed of your affliction.”

Despite the rules, despite the fear, she went in faith. She was not self-righteous, she followed wisdom and broke the religious law to find Jesus. Courage and faith gave her the wisdom, which led her to healing.

As I reflect, I ask myself these questions:

• Am I willing to quit self-righteousness and break rules, religious laws that do not align with the Word of God?

• Who am I listening to, the Word of God, a religious priest or mere man?

• Am I willing to have faith in spite of what Doctors', friends and family say?

• Do my words, thoughts and actions express and exude absolute trust in Jesus Christ?

Today I also urge you to make a commitment to pursue Jesus Christ wholeheartedly in spite of the rules, and religion. Fix your eyes on nothing but our LORD Jesus. Trust Him without a doubt. Pray to Him and expect to receive answers to your prayers and most importantly trust His timing. Don't set time limits with God, don't dictate your prayers, instead have a relationship with Him and pursue Him, chase after Him.

Remember that our walk with Christ is a life-long journey.

God Bless you

~ Natlie Loots ~