Faith in Action(2): The woman with the issue of blood

Today, let's dive into the powerful story from Mark 5:25-34, where we encounter the woman with the issue of blood and her incredible journey of faith.

Understanding Her Story

This woman had suffered from nonstop bleeding for 12 long years. Exhausted and depleted, she had spent all her resources seeking healing, but her condition only worsened. However, she had heard about Jesus and the miraculous works He was performing—healing the sick and commanding the winds and waves. These accounts sparked hope and belief within her.

Key Principles of Faith

Let’s explore the principles she applied to get her healing:

1. Hearing and Understanding Jesus (v. 25-27)
   At the time the woman was introduced in the bible, Jesus had already started His ministry. She had heard he was healing the sick, even the wind and wave obeyed Him! The woman learned about Jesus' capabilities through the stories circulating around towns. This knowledge transformed into faith, and she understood that this was her chance for healing. Despite her condition, she was determined to seek Him out.

2. Taking Bold Action (v. 27)
   Overcoming societal norms, she defied Jewish tradition, which deemed her unclean and prohibited her from being in public. The consequence she could potentially face was to be punished. With the belief in her heart, knowing who Jesus was, she ventured out to touch His cloak, showing that her faith was a declaration of action, not just words. She acted on her faith.

3. Inner Confession (v. 28)
   She thought to herself, "If I just touch His clothes, I will be healed." This affirmation was not shared with others, likely due to fear of stigma. Instead, she focused on her believe, avoiding any negative influences that could sow doubt.

4. Resolute Determination (v. 27)
   It was not easy for her to push through the crowd. However, her confidence in Jesus' power drove her onward. She knew the risk of public backlash but held steadfast to her faith that she would receive healing. Hebrews 10:23 reminds us to hold unswervingly to the hope we profess/confess, and she exemplified this resolve. She held on to it through thick and thin.

5. Immediate Results (v. 29)
   As soon as she touched His cloak, the bleeding stopped immediately. This miraculous response confirmed her unwavering faith.

Principles Highlighted in Her Journey

From this woman's story, we can summarize the key principles of faith:

• Knowledge of Jesus: She knew and understood who Jesus was.

• Confession of Desire: She clearly confessed what she wanted.

• Avoidance of Doubt: She steered clear of naysayers and doubters.

• Heartfelt Belief: She hid the word in her heart.

• Holding Fast: She held fast to her confession of faith without wavering.

• Taking Action: She acted upon her faith.

• Receiving Results: Her faith led her to immediate results.

Reflecting on Your Faith

Now, it’s your turn to reflect: Are you assuredly certain that the Jesus you know is faithful? Just like the woman with the issue of blood, your faith and determination can lead you to transformative healing and for any other area you want to see results. Let this story inspire you to act on your faith and never lose sight of the power of faith!