The Touch That Changed Everything

And a woman who had a hemorrhage for twelve years, and could not be healed by anyone, came up behind Him and touched the fringe of His cloak, and immediately her hemorrhage stopped. Luke 8:43,44 (New American Standard Bible)

Twelve years of hemorrhaging. Twelve years of enduring medical treatment that left her physically and financially drained. Twelve years of being ceremonially unclean. Twelve years of public shunning. Twelve years of questioning her own worth and value to anyone and everyone. Twelve years of a life on hold and in pain. All of it came to an immediate halt when her hands reached out and touched the hem of Jesus’ garment.

This was no easy task, for Jesus was surrounded by a great crowd of people. Getting close enough to Him to touch the fringe of his clothing would have taken time, persistence, and a great deal of maneuvering. With no exchange of words, she came from behind with one thing on her mind….”If I can but touch the hem of His garment I will be made whole.” What a seed of faith God had planted in this woman! The simplicity and uniqueness of her faith captures my attention in a powerful way. Jesus was aware of her need, her faith, her plan, her anticipation, and finally her touch. How He must have smiled in His Spirit to know what was about to take place in this woman’s life.

What truths do I take in from this miraculous account today? Jesus is approachable. He sees my pain and the magnitude of my situation. He acknowledges my faith whether it is in words or actions. I can still metaphorically reach out my hand in faith and touch the hem of His garment. I am not a lost face in a crowd to Him. My relationship with Him is unique and simplistic but His response to me is powerful.

Many have been the times He instantly dried my tears, anointed me with wisdom for a particular decision, renewed my strength, or settled my heart. Each of us have moments of crises in our lives. Today, Jesus is inviting us to come to Him with whatever is burdening us, hindering us, or draining us. This woman, who is our spiritual ancestor, wants us to know this same Jesus has the power and desire to radically change our lives like He did hers.

Father, I do not call out or reach out to You in vain. With You my story can change in an instant. Jesus, I come. Amen.