Begin with 2 minutes of stillness and silence before God.

Throughout scripture, we find that Jesus provided physical healing to many. He healed the sick and He caused the blind to see. Further, in scripture, we find that Jesus provided spiritual healing. Finally, we see instances of Jesus offering healing through forgiveness to those sick in the burden and chains of sin. Ultimately, He offered comfort and peace in all types of affliction. In death, His finished work was by death on the cross for the forgiveness of all of our sins.

Through all of the stories of truth from scripture, one of the most astounding characteristics of Jesus for me is his omniscient power or rather his ability to know all things. I think this is why the story of the woman with the issue of blood is so impactful. She is not identified by name, but rather she is known by her faith. She did not make a huge public profession or even speak out loud, she simply got close enough to Jesus to grab hold of the fringe of his garment. But He knew. He called her daughter, and told her, “Your faith has healed you”. She had been dealing with the issue of blood that disrupted her ability to live a normal life for 12 years. Many of us can relate to this woman, not because we share her sickness, but because we all have things that we have struggled with for many years. Carrying something so long not only affects our physical health but also has mental and spiritual implications. In her moment of desperation, she risked the danger of being trampled by the crowd just to touch the hem of her Father’s garment, and it was enough.

Matthew 9:20-22, "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."

God simply asks for our faith in Him. He wants our personal demonstration that we do believe. Faith as small as a mustard seed or an act as simple as touching the hem of His garment is enough if our heart is in the right posture of faith.

Take 2 minutes to reflect in silence.

Reflection:

• How is the posture of your faith today? Do you believe that He can heal your hurts and meet your unmet needs?
• How do you demonstrate by faith that you believe these things?
  
• Prayer: Dear God, You ask so little of us to show how we believe - faith as small as a mustard seed or faith that heals through the simple touch of the hem of Your garment. You promise us physical, mental, and spiritual healing if we believe in you. God, You made the ultimate sacrifice so that we could be healed of our iniquities for eternity. Thank you for Your most precious gift to us and our freedom from sin. Amen.