How can we apply the woman's faith in our daily challenges today? Scene Snapshot: A Desperate Touch “ ‘Take courage, daughter!’ He said. ‘Your faith has healed you.’ ” (Matthew 9:22) Four Hallmarks of Her Faith • Resolved: After twelve years of suffering (Mark 5:25–26), she would not accept defeat. • Personal: She said within herself, “If only I touch His cloak” (Matthew 9:21). • Focused on Christ, not on obstacles: The crowd, her condition, cultural barriers—none kept her from Jesus. • Commended by Jesus: He openly affirms her, calling her “daughter,” restoring dignity and health in one sentence. Bringing Her Faith into Our Mondays 1. Identify the issue honestly. • Like the woman, name the bleeding place in your life—sin, fear, finances, relationships. 2. Come straight to Jesus first. • Psalm 46:1—“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble.” • Do not make Him the last resort after exhausting every human remedy. 3. Act on what you believe. • Faith moves (James 2:17). Whatever step God puts before you—confession, generosity, reconciliation—take it. 4. Expect personal attention. • He turned and saw her. He will turn and see you (1 Peter 5:7). 5. Receive courage, not condemnation. • “Take courage, daughter!”—He speaks the same reassurance when we reach out (Hebrews 4:16). 6. Rest in His immediate authority. • “From that very hour” reminds us that Christ’s timing is sovereign, whether His answer is instant relief, sustaining grace, or gradual healing (2 Corinthians 12:9). When Obstacles Crowd Us • Crowd of opinions: Filter every voice through Scripture (Acts 17:11). • Crowd of circumstances: Remember, one touch of faith outweighs a thousand distractions (Matthew 17:20). • Crowd of past failures: Jesus calls you “daughter” or “son,” not “disappointment” (Isaiah 43:1). Cultivating the Habit of Reaching Out • Daily Scripture intake—faith grows by hearing the Word (Romans 10:17). • Short, sincere prayers throughout the day—“Lord, I’m touching the hem right now.” • Weekly testimony sharing—tell others how He answered; it strengthens mutual faith (Revelation 12:11). • Persistent gratitude—thank Him before the answer appears (Philippians 4:6). Encouragement for Today Whatever your “bleeding” challenge, the pathway is the same: press through, touch Jesus by faith, and listen for His courage-giving voice. The One who turned and saw her still turns and sees you. |
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