Have you found yourself overwhelmed with life? Things seem to come at you from all directions. Everything feels like it is simply too much! As we hear the news of world events, experience pandemics and world shutdowns, sometimes it is all we can do to just make it through another day.
I have found myself on this side of despair numerous times. And, it is never fun. However, the one thing that has always provided me with hope is in Christ alone. Today, I received a message from a precious friend. She laid out the extreme issues that she and her family are going through. My heart hurt for her. As I began praying, the Lord placed the story from Matthew 9 about the woman with the bleeding disorder who endured this for twelve years!
“Just then a woman who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak. She said to herself, “If I only touch his cloak, I will be healed.” Jesus turned and saw her. “Take heart, daughter,” he said, “your faith has healed you.” And the woman was healed at that moment.” Matthew 9:20-22
What I love about this story is the faith of the woman who was afflicted for so many years. She simply KNEW that if she could only touch the cloak of Jesus, she WOULD be healed. While this may sound super simple, the courage it took her to go through this took many steps.
First, she had to SEEK JESUS! She had to know where He was going to be and at what time. This was not random. She sought Him out intentionally.
Next, she had to MAKE IT HAPPEN! I am sure if she had been dealing with a bleeding disorder, she would have been in a weakened state. Despite this, she found the strength and the courage to make sure that she would physically get to Jesus and to actually touch any part of Him.
This woman made a plan and then executed her plan. She never gave up. She overcame her physical challenges and went all in. The result? Jesus spoke directly to her! He told her that her FAITH healed her! Can you imagine?
Whenever you find yourself at what appears to be the end of your rope, reach out to Jesus! Seek Him! He WILL hear you. Grab hold of the hem of His garment and hold on!
What overwhelming circumstance is causing you to take your eyes off of Jesus? Give it over to Him today!