Faith And Determination
And a certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years, and had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse, when she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment. For she said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole. And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of that plague. And Jesus, immediately knowing in himself that virtue had gone out of him, turned him about in the press, and said, Who touched my clothes? And his disciples said unto him, Thou seest the multitude thronging thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me? And he looked round about to see her that had done this thing. But the woman fearing and trembling, knowing what was done in her, came and fell down before him, and told him all the truth. And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague. Mark 5:25-34
The woman with the issue of blood in the Gospel remains one of the most encouraging true stories ever told. It reminds us of Christ’s power and the strong faith of women. More than that, it strengthens our faith in Christ Jesus, who never changes, and is the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.).
In Mark 5:25-34, we read more details about this woman who had blood issue. For twelve years, she had suffered from pain, not just physically, but also emotionally and mentally. She had spent years seeking an answer to end the pain, going to different physicians and spending all the money she had left, but no one was able to address her issue (Mark 5:25-26 And a certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years, And had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse). The woman went to the best doctors, yet none of them were able to provide what she needed. But she didn’t give up. It’s amazing that in her state of desperation, she was determined to be healed, so when she heard about Jesus Christ, that determination acted out in faith in the Son of God who is all powerful. That is why Jesus stopped for the one who touched his garment, for power had come out of him. Jesus knew that this woman was determined to be healed, no matter what, and it was her faith in Jesus that made her well.
Most of us are like this woman who had emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual issues. We can search for answers and spend our time and our money on the wrong things. Like the woman in the story, we may be searching for answers to address our issues in people whom we love, trust, follow and look up to. The truth is, no human being can solve our worries, anxieties, fears and doubts, just like the woman in this story. Unfortunately, many people give up along the way, to the point of even taking their own life. That is why, just like the woman in this story, we must be determined to find answers and solutions to our personal issues.
May this story remind us that it is only in Jesus Christ that we will be able to have the life we are seeking (John 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. ). It is Christ’s purpose to give us an abundant life—one of peace, joy, righteousness and love. These things are more important than any material thing or anything a human being can ever provide for us. May the woman’s determination and faith remind us that there is always hope for those who believe in the name of the Lord Jesus. No matter how hard or bad a situation may be in our lives, we will always have Jesus beside us, who will save us, heal us, deliver us, and make us whole again.
