“Leap of Faith” (Bloody Woman)

What are you “chasing after” in life? For many, it’s happiness. For others, it’s power and position. For most, it’s pleasure and comfort. When Jesus came to the earth, he was sought after at the highest level because of what he offered the Jewish nation. Riddled with disease and discouragement, they were looking for someone who could “save” them from their current conditions. What they didn’t bargain for was someone who had the power to do something even greater – forgive sins! Jesus, indeed, changed lives! There was a woman who had a “blood disorder” that had affected her adversely for years. What could get lost in this story is that this issue actually affected her religiously and socially too. According to the Mosaic Law, she was “not allowed” to worship in the Temple which was devastating for a Jew. Under the Old Covenant, the only way that you could draw close to God was to worship in the Temple. Not only was she forbidden to enter the Temple, but she was also socially ostracized. Can you imagine being alone, rejected, and sick? That was this woman, until Jesus changed her life. Don’t miss the power behind this story! God healed her when she acted in faith. So many people refuse to trust Jesus with their lives. Often, it’s because they think they have the “perfect life” even when they are struggling on the inside. Other times, they are afraid to make that “move of faith.” Christianity’s most important characteristic is faith! In fact, the Bible warns that no one can be saved without faith, and faith is the way that we please God. Why is that? It’s because when you trust God, you are glorifying him above yourself! You look to him as your source of strength, not your own. As Jesus was walking through a large crowd to get to another sick person, this woman believing that Jesus could heal her, acted in faith and touched his robe. Jesus immediately stopped and sought out who touched him. When he realized who it was, he honored her in front of everyone. Are you living by faith? Do you see people struggling and suffering who need the same faith that you have? Let’s celebrate when God changes a life, and let’s live by faith in our witness and worship of Jesus! God changes lives!