Suddenly a woman who had suffered from bleeding for twelve years came up behind Him and touched the fringe of His cloak. She said to herself, “If only I touch His cloak, I will be healed.” Jesus turned and saw her. “Take courage, daughter,” He said, “your faith has healed you.” And the woman was cured from that very hour.
Matthew 9:20-22 (BSB)
We can all relate to the struggles of this earthly life. The story of the woman with the issue of blood in the Bible is a source of encouragement and inspiration for all of us. Her story is about fighting the good fight of faith-taking hold of the answer to our prayers. Scripture is a guide to help us experience God. Jesus wants us to trust and believe in Him that miracles are still happening.
In Jewish culture people considered a woman with a bleeding disorder to be unclean. Everything and anyone she touched was also considered unclean. According to Levitical law, she could not handle money or food, or attend synagogue services. She couldn’t be physically close to anyone, especially in a crowd. If she violated these rules by exposing others to her uncleanness, she could face punishment by law. Despite these challenges, she refused to give up. Against all odds, she got up out of bed – weak as she was – and persevered to receive her miracle. She was willing to risk life and limb to get there. However, in the grand scheme of things, she had no real life to lose.
Notwithstanding her sickness, this woman had unwavering faith in Jesus to heal her. She firmly believed that if she could only touch the hem of his garment, she would receive healing. With resolute determination, she declared her miracle first and then overcame every obstacle to break through a crowd of people and do what she had set out to do. Her story teaches us that faith without corresponding action is dead. Faith begins in our thought life, and as we meditate on and imagine our miracle, our mouth will speak it out. As the scriptures tell us, faith is near us, even in our mouth.
The story of the woman with the issue of blood teaches us that God rewards those who believe in Him and diligently seek Him. When God heals, it is not just physical but also spiritual, transforming our entire lives. We receive a double miracle from Him. What a mighty God we serve!
