Devotion:
Read Luke 8:42b-48.
The bleeding woman had lived a hopeless existence for 12 years. The scripture tells us she suffered from a seemingly incurable condition that caused her to bleed constantly and was known as an unclean woman. She visited many doctors who treated her poorly and took her money. Imagine the isolation she must have felt. She was at her ropes end. This was her long “winter of hardship.” Then she heard about Jesus. Think about the effort it must have taken for her to walk the great distance to see him. Finally, she reached him. In this moment, she faced her greatest hope and her greatest fear. If she touched him, she knew her bleeding would cause Jesus to be unclean under Jewish law. If she didn’t touch him, she might never be healed. Which was greater – her fear or her hope? She reached down to the hem of his garment and touched Jesus. Jesus, at once feeling the healing power leave his body, turned to find the one who touched him. I imagine this woman was very frightened at this point for she knew that she had been unclean when she touched him. Trembling and feeling as if she had done something wrong, she fell at his feet and told the truth. Then Jesus called out affectionately, “Daughter, your faith healed you. Go in peace and be free from your suffering.” With fear and trembling, this woman took an action of faith. We can say she did it afraid. Have you ever found yourself in an impossible situation? Have you ever felt afraid to approach the Master? No matter what issue we face in our own season of life, we should never allow our fear to overshadow our hope in Christ. We too can do it afraid.
Personal Worship Option:
Think today about your greatest challenge. Know that you have hope in Christ to overcome it. Like this bleeding woman, walk toward Jesus. Trust him to heal the brokenness of your hardship.
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