October 19 – One touch

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." Mark 5:25-34 KJV

Twelve years? Can you imagine being ill for 12 years? Sadly in this world there are many who, all their lives, have known nothing but illness or disability. Illness wears our bodies out, not only causing physical weakness, but also emotional and mental instability.. We don't know her name, but we do know she was desperate and “had spent all that she had – she'd gone from doctor to doctor seeking a cure, seeking healing. Scripture tells us that “she had heard of Jesus.” She'd heard the good news that many who were touched by Jesus, were healed of different diseases....hope, at last she had hope.

"And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people." Matthew 4:23 KJV

She not only had hope, but she also had faith - Faith that a touch from the Master could change situations. A touch from the Master could change circumstances. A touch from the Master could heal her.

If you or your loved ones have been ill, you'll be more than aware that regardless of our faith, sickness makes us fearful. Trusting God for healing can be a challenge. Negative thoughts constantly try to weedle their way into the mind – oh yes, the devil doesn't miss a stroke! .

It's important to remember that the Lord brings healing in answer to our prayers in many ways. In our Scripture reading, the woman was made completely physically whole, but for some He gives spiritual, emotional and mental healing – healing and strength to cope, and live with, the physical condition which continues. On the surface it seems harsh that one persons prayer for complete healing is answered, and another's not, but this is where our faith takes a grip. Didn't He tell us.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope” - Jeremiah 29:11

Do not be afraid, only believe." Mark 5:36 KJV

I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears." Psalm 34:4 KJV

I am sure the woman had fears, but she knew a touch from Jesus would make everything right.

How do we receive a touch from the Master? Trust is the key. The woman with the issue of blood said in her heart: “If I only touch the hem of His garment, I shall be healed”. She believed all she needed was a touch from Jesus. She trusted, had confidence that if she just touched the hem of His garment, she would be made whole. She had confidence that when she touched Him, she would receive healing.

In response, Jesus reached out and touched her. In that moment, she left His presence a healed woman. If we seek Him, if we ask Him, Jesus will touch us, and we will leave His presence healed – restored.

Do you need a touch from the Master today? Then just say, “Jesus I need your touch.”  Believe and have confidence that you will receive His powerful touch!

“He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.
They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint” - Isaiah 40:29-31

(Acknowledgements ODG.org)

Father, as I join my faith with those reading these words who need a touch from You, touch and remove fear, touch and build faith, touch and heal. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Music for today is, “He Touched Me” - Gaither Vocal Band. *LIVE) Click on the picture to listen.