For she thought, “If I just touch His garments, I will get well.” (Mark 5:28 NAS95)
This woman, as the context of this verse indicates, suffered for twelve years. Then Jesus shows up. She had heard about Him and her curiosity had peaked. He heals. He loves. He extends kindness. The God Jesus speaks of sounds like more a lover than a judge. These rumors draw her to Jesus as she hears others reporting He’s nearby. Her inner thoughts provide increasing motivation. “Could it happen to me?” She begins to believe in the possibility of the rumors, even for herself. She’s desperate. She doesn’t feel worthy so she doesn’t want His attention. She only wants to be near enough to touch Him. Shame has deteriorated her sense of worth.
She overcame much just to approach, but her self-talk had turned in the right direction. The talk about Jesus sounded really unbelievable, but she seemed to believe. Maybe the desperation or maybe God simply had heard her pain and wanted her to see Himself clearly. He drew her to Jesus. God’s heart shows clearly through the life of Jesus. No words passed, just thoughts and hopes that His goodness was true. The touch reeked of timidity, filled with inner shame, but the prayer in it received a reply. She felt the healing instantaneously, and so did Jesus. Her faith in God’s goodness, faith arising in her heart by the work of God, made her well. Jesus turned and met her face-to-face. She got His attention. God showed Himself to her and her sense of worth grew. The woman learned wellness concerns more than physical health. Let us approach Jesus and expect the same.
For Reflection:
“Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him For the help of His presence.” (Psalms 42:5 NAS95)
- How does your self-talk influence your approach to God?
- When negative self-talk arises, how easily do you let it become a prayer for God to reveal Himself?
