"What in the world have I done?"
I can't believe my current predicament. My mind races back to when it all began about 12 years ago. I was so happy, married to a prosperous merchant who provided me, and our 5 children, a comfortable living.
It was vague at first, just feelings of fatigue and some unpleasant cramping. I went to the doctor who prescribed medication, reassuring me that I would feel better. But over time things just kept getting worse. The fatigue became so great there were days I couldn't get out of bed. I often felt dizzy, nauseated and had constant abdominal pain.
For the first few years, my husband was very concerned and took me to numerous specialists. I went through a variety of treatments, some so unpleasant I don't like thinking about them. This became very expensive and a drain on our finances. Eventually I was so weak that relatives cared for our children, and I saw them infrequently.
We had to sell our lovely home, and move into a much smaller dwelling. The increasing stress was too much for my husband, who divorced me, leaving me destitute and alone. At times I despaired and thought of taking my life.
But then I heard stories about a man who was having great success healing people with challenging medical conditions. I had exhausted what doctors could do for me, and besides I had no more money. This man was my last hope.
Somehow, I managed to get out of bed and get dressed this morning. I don't remember walking to the town square, but I'm sure it took me a long time. All I knew was that this man was in town and I had to get to him. There were so many people around him, that in sheer determination I fell to my knees and began crawling. I knew if I could just reach him, that he would help me.
Despite my weakness, I pushed through that crowd and momentarily touched him. Suddenly, something incredible happened. I felt a strange warmth go through my body and knew I was healed. I haven't felt this good in 12 years!
But now he is asking, "Who touched me?" The crowd has parted, and here I am still on my knees. All eyes are on me, and to make matters even worse, the leading town official is with him. "What on earth have I done?" You see, I have broken the law, for I'm not supposed to go out in public in my condition. I realize my actions may get me into serious trouble now.
In apprehension, I look up at the man. He has the kindest eyes. He smiles at me, stretches out his hand and lifts me up. Through tears, I tell him my story. He puts his arm around me and says softly, "Return to your home. Your faith has made you well."
This is an actual account of a woman's healing by Jesus. She is known as the woman with the issue of blood, and her story was so compelling that Matthew, Mark and Luke all record it. (Matthew 9:20–22; Mark 5:25–28; Luke 8:43–48)
Jesus attributed healing to her faith. She not only believed He could heal, but that He would heal her. Faith is simple trust in God and what He says. Our human tendency is to wait and see, and then believe. But faith believes first, before it sees. Jesus tells us in Mark 9:23 that all things are possible to the person who believes. Can you believe Him before seeing?
Come join us this Sunday at 9 AM or 11 AM. We are continuing our series on Healing the Sick, and my sermon is, "Creating an Atmosphere of Faith." You are also invited to our new healing service every Sunday at 2:30 PM.
Pastor Che
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