Too often, we mistake waiting on God as idleness.We categorize it as being lazy, unmotivated or defeated.
But also, too often we categorize moving, taking risks and exhausting all of our resources as not having enough faith.
And I completely disagree.
There is a time to sit still and a time to move.
The woman described in Mark 5 was spent. The bible says she suffered, spending all she had under the care of many doctors and her illness of 12 years and counting was just getting worse.
What got me was the way Mark 5:27-28 describes her next move, saying "when she heard about Jesus she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, because she thought, “If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed.”
It was a move of faith.
It was risky.
It was all she had left.
In her mind, I'm sure she reasoned, "I have nothing to lose".
But I'm convinced it was her risk-taking faith that got her noticed.
Jesus immediately recognizes the healing power released through him and in verse 33 speaks something over her that I will never forget.
"Daughter, your faith has healed you."
No where else in the bible does Jesus address another woman as "Daughter".
Can you imagine what that must have felt like to her?
A woman that was most likely rejected, dragging her self-esteem because of the appearance her condition must have caused.
Lifeless, with eyes that spoke pain, and holding on to just enough hope to push her through the crowd that day.
Calling her "Daughter" was also her word of healing.
Not only did she think and believe she could be healed, but her faith convinced her enough to act on it. Your actions are just as important as your faith.
One word from Him is capable of changing our world. Whether it's a word of healing, hope, encouragment or love. If He said it then we have no reason not to believe.
Just like this woman, may our hearts be fascinated enough with the truth that He is all we need, and that the risk-taking faith we use to get where He has promised is worth it.
JV
Jenn, this post is brilliant! Thanks for the powerful reminder!
ReplyDeleteWow, what a great reminder! Your posts always encourage me. And I love your bio...TreSemme is the only mousse I use. :D
ReplyDelete@Amanda Thank you my friend!
ReplyDelete@Mahina Thanks so much! No doubt TreSemme is irreplaceable ;) God bless!
Jenn, this was a great read. It's always truly a blessing to see how our faith empowers us to totally trust in Him.
ReplyDeleteThanks Dre :)
ReplyDeletehmm.... however i still think that it CAN be considered a lack of faith when you turn to Jesus at the end of all your hard work rather than at the beginning of your trial.
ReplyDeleteIn the case of this woman she didn't have access to Jesus through prayer the way we do now, which makes her toiling in vain for 12 years understandable.
But, unless it's God directly having you take risks outside of your comfort zone, work hard, and exhaust every resource, turning to Jesus at the end of your rope will warrant a response from him of course, but after much unnecessary trouble.
it is more faithful to turn to him from the onset rather than after we realize that yes, we ARE powerless without him. know what i'm saying?
great writing, btw :]
-Lisbeny
@Lisbeny Of course, ideally turning to Him in the beginning of a trial is what we as believers should aim for. But I think there is a valuable lesson to be learned for the times when we don't, or in this case, when we exhaust all our resources yet we're still believing God. Regardless, He's gracious enough to respond and come to our rescue. Every time it serves as a reminder, like you said, we are powerless without Him.
ReplyDeleteThank you SO much for commenting!
:)