We Are Not Unique
How does her story relate to us and
our needs? I’m so glad you asked!!
Though we don’t know her name,
Jesus knew her, and not only by name, but where she lived, her situation, and that she had been the one to touch Him. He didn’t ask, "Who touched me?" because
He didn’t know…
she needed to say, "I was the one, Master."
The reality of it all is that Lord knows who we are as well, and is waiting for us to acknowledge that we need His tender touch. That is elementary, yet it is often a difficult thing for people to do.
Many times folks are afraid or live with too much pride to admit a need. They will walk forever diseased or crippled in body or spirit when the Healer is passing by the door of their heart.
The woman in the Bible story is not unique, for we all have issues. If someone declares that they are issue free, please check their pulse for signs of life…issues are real and we
all have them.
It is a fact that issues can be found in every family, on every job, and in every church. Let it be further noted that issues do not discriminate and will turn up in the poor house, the White House, or our house. How we deal with the various circumstances we face depends on us and our character and ‘makeup’, so please understand that everyone deals differently.
For instance, some folks are transparent to a fault and everyone always knows when they are going through a trial or personal issue of life. Looking at others, we would not think that they have ever had issues arise because they give the appearance that they have it all together.
However, it is not uncommon to wear the mask of "all is well," especially around the Saints. Neither extreme is a healthy one. It is vital that we find a place of balance and walk therein. Bearing our burdens with dignity allows that we can be cautious, yet at the same time, not afraid to trust…balance.
Fear is a terrible thing. It will keep us from trusting those who love us and desire to bring aid and comfort, and most importantly, from the One who loves us most…Jesus Christ.
Jesus said that he came that we would not just have life, but abundant life (
John 10:10). This is life which is
plentiful, overflowing, ample, generous, lavish, full, bountiful. Unfortunately, many do not believe it is possible…at least not for them.
What they are saying is that God shows respect of person. I mean, that must be it, right? What other reason can it be? They reason in their minds that He gave one person deliverance and inner healing, sure, but it’s not possible for them. That thinking places God in the position of picking and choosing whom to heal…"I'll deliver them, but not
you!!"
Consequently, they come to church services, week after week, seated at the banquet table and starving to death. They are not eating because the table is not adequately spread or because others are taking more than their portion…there is ample food and deliverance for all. No, the problem is not with the Word or it's delivering power. People do not eat because of fear or because somewhere along the way they lost the desire to eat.
However, the fact of the matter is this…if it's not for you, dear heart, it's not for anyone. If the Word doesn’t apply to your life or situation, it’s just another book, void of any power or might. We might as well toss it aside and stop fooling ourselves.
Strong words, but really, we either trust God's Word to mean what it says or we find something else to do with our time. Please know that it’s not that the Lord's power is diminished if we do not believe and receive…it's just diminished in our lives. It cannot work because we do not let it.
It is important to understand that if the woman with the issue had succumbed to fear, she would have died in her home. Had she not put feet to her faith, gotten up, made her way to the door and opened it, she never would have known deliverance. Sounds simple, doesn't it? Well, it is!
We make it seem so difficult in that we feel we must go through this or that process to be healed and delivered, when faith is simply denoted by an action. It means we must do something…speak with our mouth that we trust God to fulfill his promises, stand to our feet or lift our hand…do something as a sign that we have heard the Word of faith, believe it and receive it.
That certain woman with the issue was driven by desperation. She had reached her point of no return and there was no backup plan. Backup plans for many of us are plentiful. If God doesn’t do something by a certain time, we’ll just try this or that, and all the while think we are operating by faith.
We will go here, there and everywhere preparing our 'safety net' just in case God doesn’t come through. We will run to this person and the next seeking counsel, when Jesus is asking, "What about me? When will you turn to ME?"
The issues in our lives may be great...divorce, death of loved one, financial worries, unsaved family, kids in trouble, abused or the abuser, unfulfilled dreams and visions, emotional dysfunction, sin…on and on it goes.
But, through it all remember that every issue that does not kill will only serve to make you stronger. These words from Corrie ten Boom ring in my inner beings today…"
There is no pit so deep that He is not deeper still."
She could say that after losing family and home in the devastation of World War II. After being imprisoned and abused, destined to meet the same fate as her father and sister, God made divine arrangements just for her.
Through what was later determined to be a clerical 'error', Miss ten Boom was released from the deep pit of the concentration camp and certain execution. It wasn’t error, luck, or coincidence…it was the hand of a loving God making provision and arrangements when there was no way to be found.
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