What steps can we take to strengthen our faith like the woman in Matthew 9:21? Matthew 9:21—A Faith That Reaches Out “She said to herself, ‘If only I touch His cloak, I will be healed.’” (Matthew 9:21) Why Her Story Matters • Twelve years of suffering could not drown her hope. • She believed Jesus’ power was personal and available. • Her quiet confidence moved her to bold action and received instant healing. Step 1: Admit Our Desperation and Turn to Jesus Alone • Her resources were exhausted (Mark 5:26). Ours run dry, too. • True faith blooms when we stop leaning on self-help and lean wholly on Christ. • Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” Step 2: Feed Faith with God’s Word • Romans 10:17: “So faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.” • Regular Scripture intake reminds us of God’s power, character, and promises. – Read a Gospel chapter daily to stay close to Jesus’ voice. – Memorize verses that declare His willingness to help (e.g., Hebrews 4:16). Step 3: Speak Faith-Filled Truth to Our Hearts • She “said to herself” (Matthew 9:21). Inner dialogue shapes outlook. • Replace fear talk with faith talk: – “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid” (Hebrews 13:6). – “He who promised is faithful” (Hebrews 10:23). • Continual confession of God’s truth reinforces confidence. Step 4: Reach Out in Obedient Action • James 2:17: “Faith by itself, if it does not result in action, is dead.” • Practical ways to “touch His cloak” today: – Bring needs to Him in specific prayer (Philippians 4:6). – Participate in corporate worship, expecting His presence. – Step into service opportunities even when resources seem thin. • The act of reaching becomes the channel through which God’s power flows. Step 5: Persist Until Breakthrough • Crowds and social stigma stood between her and Jesus, yet she pressed on. • Hebrews 6:12 urges us to imitate “those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.” • Keep praying, keep obeying, keep believing—delay is not denial. Step 6: Celebrate and Share What God Has Done • Luke 8:47 recounts her public testimony after healing. • Remembering answered prayer strengthens future faith (Psalm 103:2). • Sharing testimonies encourages the body and points outsiders to Christ. Putting It All Together Recognize need, immerse in Scripture, preach truth to yourself, act in obedience, persevere, and testify. Following these steps, we grow a faith that confidently reaches for Jesus and experiences His transforming power—just like the woman who touched His cloak and was made whole. |
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