Devotion:
Read Mark 5:25-34.
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. 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. Her journey of faith showed great courage and determination. She continued to move forward toward Jesus in spite of all the obstacles in her way. Today each of us faces a different set of obstacles in our faith journey. This woman inspires us to set our intentions on Jesus and to be resolved to let nothing stop us from connecting with him and growing in our faith.
Personal Worship Option:
Think today about your greatest obstacle in your faith life. Is it lack of commitment? Apathy? Influence of others? Distractions? Whatever it is, pray today that God will show you a path forward and then resolve to take one small step of faith.
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