How can we apply her persistence in seeking Jesus to our own lives? The Woman’s Persistent Pursuit Mark 5:27 records, “When the woman heard about Jesus, she came up through the crowd behind Him and touched His cloak.” She had: • Twelve years of suffering (v. 25) • Financial ruin from failed treatments (v. 26) • Social and ceremonial isolation (Leviticus 15:25-27) • A thick crowd blocking access to Jesus (v. 24) Yet she pushed through every barrier because she was convinced Jesus alone could heal her. What Her Persistence Teaches Us • Faith moves past disappointment—past failures did not dictate her future hope (Psalm 42:11). • Hunger for Jesus eclipses fear of people; the crowd’s opinion became irrelevant (Galatians 1:10). • Action completes belief; she “came up” and “touched,” marrying faith with works (James 2:17). • Immediate obedience pays off; she acted the moment she “heard about Jesus,” wasting no time (Hebrews 3:15). Practical Ways to Seek Jesus Persistently Today 1. Daily Scripture Intake – Read, study, and meditate even when feelings lag (Joshua 1:8). 2. Consistent Prayer Rhythms – Keep asking, keep seeking, keep knocking (Luke 11:9-10). 3. Gather with Believers – Press through relational fatigue or awkwardness to stay in fellowship (Hebrews 10:24-25). 4. Confess and Forsake Sin Quickly – “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you” (James 4:8). 5. Act on Promptings of the Spirit – Like her reaching for His cloak, respond immediately to biblical conviction (John 14:21). 6. Guard Against Discouragement – Remember Paul’s “press on” mindset (Philippians 3:12-14). Promises for the Persistent Seeker • Access to grace and help: “Let us approach the throne of grace with confidence” (Hebrews 4:16). • Certainty of finding Him: “If you seek Him, He will be found by you” (2 Chronicles 15:2). • Renewed strength: “Those who wait upon the LORD will renew their strength” (Isaiah 40:31). • Answered requests: “Everyone who asks receives” (Luke 11:10). Living It Out This Week • Identify one obstacle (e.g., time, doubt, busyness) that keeps you from Jesus and plan a concrete step to push through it. • Replace one passive habit (scrolling, TV) with an intentional reach toward Him—perhaps memorizing Mark 5:27-34. • Share a testimony of God’s faithfulness with a friend, reinforcing your expectancy for fresh encounters. Her story assures us: when we press through with humble, obedient faith, Jesus always meets us with healing, power, and peace. |