Photo by Ross Findon on Unsplash

Photo by Ross Findon on Unsplash

As I think about this desperate woman I wrote about yesterday, I realize there are things we can learn from her. Despite 12 years of disappointments, she knew she had to try one more thing. Early on in her journey, I’m sure she may have been careful to get doctors that had the right training and the right pedigrees. But as the years went on, I’m sure she became more and more desperate to get help from any source, no matter where it came from.

She had to get out of her comfort zone and into the crowds near Jesus.

At this point, when she heard about Someone who might actually be able to heal her, I’m sure she found it hard to believe. But she had to give it a try! Staying home would not bring this about. She had to get out of her house, out of her comfort zone, and into the crowds of people. She had to get near Jesus. And that is what she did!

In order to step out of her comfort zone, she had to believe, even a little, that Jesus could heal her.

Stepping outside comfort zones is not easy. The fact that a person does it, shows that they have some faith that what they are doing is going to work. It may be shaky. But it is there. And that is all that is needed. The important thing about faith is not the quantity, but the One in whom our faith is placed.

For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed,
you will say to this mountain,
‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move,
and nothing will be impossible for you.”

Matthew 17:20 ESV

She had to reach out and touch Jesus’ robe

Even while out in the crowds near Jesus, she had to be intentional. Each thing that was done had to be on purpose. There was nothing passive about the healing of this woman. Intentional action was required all along the way.

She had to speak up

In the end, Jesus asked who had touched Him. It’s true, she had already been healed. But in some way, Jesus knew she needed to have a more personal contact with Him. He was not going to let this go as an anonymous event. This is one way He embraced this woman. For 12 years, she had had to live on the edges of life. She was unique and special.

Yes, Jesus was on His way to heal Jairus’ (ruler of the synagogue) daughter. But He had time to heal this woman and take time for her too. When she stepped out publicly, He told her, her faith had healed her both physically and spiritually. (In some of the other versions of the Bible, it says your faith has made you whole.) That would indicate that her healing may have meant more than simply physical healing, but also spiritual. Imagine those kind words from Jesus ending with “Go in peace.” Did it mean she had peace with GOD? Those words must have echoed in her ears for a very long time!

Summary of how she changed.

A more simplified version of what she did is found here:

1. Get out of comfort zone
2. Trust GOD for the change needed
3. Be intentional about the change
4. Speak up in ways that show that change happened.

• • it brings glory to GOD
  • opens you up for further blessing and encouragement

Action step: What have you learned from the change that took place in this woman’s life? What can you trust GOD for in terms of change that needs to take place in your life? It may seem as hopeless a change as a complete healing even though it may not be physical. But GOD can move mountains. He wants to change your life in the direction of holy living. What do you need to trust Him for?