What can we learn about perseverance from the woman's 12-year struggle? The Woman’s Situation: Twelve Long Years Luke 8:43: “and a woman was there who had suffered from bleeding for twelve years. She had spent all her money on physicians, but no one could heal her.” • Twelve years of constant pain, weakness, and ceremonial uncleanness (Leviticus 15:25–27). • Every earthly remedy exhausted; every coin spent. • Isolation from worship and community, yet she keeps living, hoping, searching. Perseverance Refuses to Quit Despite Repeated Disappointments • Each failed treatment could have birthed bitterness, but she keeps trying. • Like Paul, “perplexed, but not in despair” (2 Corinthians 4:8). • Romans 5:3–4: “suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” Her history proves the pattern. Perseverance Keeps Moving Toward Jesus • Luke 8:44 records her pressing through the crowd to touch the fringe of His cloak—one more step after years of steps. • Jeremiah 29:13: “You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.” She embodies that wholehearted search. Perseverance Acts in Faith, Not Just Desire • Her touch was intentional, rooted in belief: “If I just touch His garments, I will be healed” (Mark 5:28). • Hebrews 11:6—faith approaches God expecting reward; perseverance supplies the repeated approach. Perseverance Pushes Through Obstacles and Shame • Ceremonially unclean, she risked public censure. • Social, religious, and physical barriers crumble under determined faith—mirroring the persistent widow of Luke 18:1–8 who “kept coming.” Perseverance Finds Its Reward in Christ • Luke 8:48: “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace.” • The reward is complete: physical healing, restored identity (“Daughter”), and abiding peace. Scripture’s Wider Witness • James 1:2–4—trials test faith and produce steadfastness. • Galatians 6:9—“Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” • Hebrews 12:1–2—run with endurance, fixing eyes on Jesus, just as she did. Practical Takeaways for Today • Chronic trials do not negate God’s care; they can position us for a greater revelation of His power. • Exhausted resources remind us that Christ alone is sufficient. • Keep seeking even when answers delay; perseverance and faith walk hand in hand. • Press through obstacles—crowds, opinions, shame—to reach Jesus in prayer, Word, and fellowship. • Expect His peace to follow His touch; perseverance ends in His “Go in peace.” |
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