@calvy28 31 March 2021 more from that month

There is this one story in the bible, one of the many faith-building stories which I love. This is about a woman who had an incurable bleeding condition for 12 years. Under the Jewish law, any woman in her monthly period is termed “unclean” and must be isolated for whoever touches her will also be unclean (Lev 15:19). Imagine this woman in the story, she had lived as an outcast for years because of this. And with this condition, she just cannot marry, or if she will marry, her condition was a sure ground for divorce. Also, she was prohibited to go to the temple to worship. And the worst part was, she had spent all that she had yet instead of getting better, she grew worse (Mark 5:26). Until she heard about Jesus. At that time Jesus was surrounded with a large crowd. Unfazed, she went behind Him and touched His cloak, because she thought, “If I just touch His clothes, I will be healed.” Immediately, her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering. At once, Jesus realized that power had gone out of Him. He turned around in the crowd and asked, “Who touched me?” (Mark 5:27-30) Jesus kept looking around too see who had done it. Then the woman, knowing what has happened to her, came and fell at His feet and trembling with fear, told him the whole truth. Then He said to her, “daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.” (Mark 5:32-34) Here are the learnings I have captured from the story: 1.Jesus calls her “daughter”. He recognized the woman as one of His own despite her social status, despite how people perceived her, despite her sickness, because of one important thing- she believed in Him. Just like how a father loves his child, so is God who has given the right to those who believe in Him to become His children. (John 1:12). This is indeed a glorious gift, a gift that when we accept gives us confidence in its truthfulness. This relationship which God desires with us is more than of a “Master and servant” but that of a “Father and child”. And as sons and daughters of the Most High, we can be sure that He does not withhold good gifts to us, His children. 2.Her unwavering faith. “For without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”(Hebrews 11:6) Her acknowledgment of who Jesus as the true source of healing and of victory became instrumental in receiving healing by grace through her faith in Him. 3.His peace as a gift that comes with believing. The peace that comes from Jesus is more than enough to remind us of our identity in Him, that we are more than conquerors through Him who loves us. And because we know who we are, no matter how many trials, sickness and hardships we face, we will come out as victors. And this gift of peace comes when we place our full trust in Him. I believe that this story is not just about physical healing. Maybe there are still some things in your heart, some wounds that you carry that no one can heal except Jesus. You might have tried to get it every place else but you are afraid to go to Jesus. You are afraid to go the One who loves you so much. My prayer is that may you accept His invitation to come forward and be honest with Him. He wants to heal all of your sickness, your pain, including the ones that are hidden. And as you come and trust Him with all your heart, He will surely say the same words He uttered to the woman: “Your faith has made you well. Go in peace. Your suffering is over.” (Mark 5:34) And remember, God is not just looking after big faith, He recognizes even that small faith. And that mustard seed of faith is enough for God to perform a miracle in your life. If you will just believe and receive. — For by grace you have been saved, through faith, and that not of yourself; it is a gift of God (Ephesians 2:8-10). credits to the letterer