Strong and Courageous

Have you been through a difficult time? Has the trial lasted longer than you expected? Did you go through something so private that you could not share it with others?

There was an unnamed woman in the Bible who had an issue of blood for twelve years. It was clearly a private issue and one that was not able to be cured. Money was spent, doctors sought, and years passed with no relief. Until … one day she heard about Jesus.

This unidentified lady readied herself and joined the multitude where Jesus was ministering. She was determined to press through the crowd. Her belief was that if she could only touch the hem of his garment she would be healed. Suddenly, Jesus asked a question. He wanted to know who had touched him. His disciples were extremely perplexed as he was surrounded by so many people that there had to have been throngs of humans that had touched him. Yet, Jesus wanted to know who touched him, for he knew power had gone out from him (Mark 5:30).

Emerging from among the masses, an unknown woman acknowledged that this touch Jesus referenced was hers. She had come to see Jesus while carrying a longtime affliction with blood. She had suffered through the condition privately. She had bravely endured without solutions. Immediately upon feeling the thread of Jesus’s robe, this ailing woman was whole. Jesus told the hopeful woman that her faith healed her (Luke 8:48).

Strength and courage are what this woman demonstrated. Whether it was pressing on through the years with the unanswered issue or pressing through the multitude to touch the one with the answer. No matter how long, how private, or how awful the issue is in your life - you too can be strong and courageous.

All you need to do is push through the crowd of discouragement, defeat, and disappointment. Then, with your faith - touch him who will make you well and whole. You will never be the same.

*Dear Jesus, I am reaching out to you now in faith. I ask you to help me be strong and courageous. Touch me and make me whole. Guide me in the way I should go, I pray. Please use my testimony to help others be strong and courageous too for your glory. Thank you, Jesus. Amen. *

Throughout this day: Pray and worship the Lord. Welcome the Holy Spirit in your life to direct you in what you need. Let him show you how to be strong and courageous as in Luke 8:43-48 and Deuteronomy 31:6. His scriptures will reveal guidance to endure whatever you might face.