Mark 5:25-34 contains what I call my “If only I” steps. They’re the desperately needed, often last-resort, actions I often take to reach out to Jesus and find the healing and deeper intimacy I need.
Last month, I took an “If only I” step when I flew across the country and then drove 7 hours to join a group of women on a prayer retreat. Depleted following a hard season of ministry in Uganda, I knew I’d reached a point where I absolutely had to be engulfed in fellowship with praying friends. There, I believed, I could better wade through the negative thoughts that had crept in during trials—challenges that had crowded out my understanding of God’s love for me.
“If I can just touch his robe, I will be healed,” the woman said as she unabashedly worked her way through the crowds to touch the hem of Jesus’ robe (Mark 5:28). And as a result of her reaching out to Him, the “terrible condition” that had plagued the woman for 12 years left her “immediately” (Mark 5:29).
“Jesus realized at once that healing power had gone out from him, so he turned around in the crowd and asked, ‘Who touched my robe?’ His disciples said to him, ‘Look at this crowd pressing around you. How can you ask, “Who touched me?” ‘
“But he kept on looking around to see who had done it. Then the frightened woman, trembling at the realization of what had happened to her, came and fell to her knees in front of him and told him what she had done. And he said to her, ‘Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace. Your suffering is over’ ” (Mark 5:30-34).
If there’s something plaguing you, prayerfully consider taking an “If only I” step and reach out for Jesus today!
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Acts 20:1-20
More:
In Proverbs 3:7-8 what steps do you find that promote spiritual healing?
Next:
What do you need to bring to Jesus today as you reach out to Him in faith and trust? What keeps us from seeking Jesus when we’re plagued by trials?
Gary Shultz on November 7, 2014 at 7:21 am
A challenge to be sure. To take the “if only I” into the “I am blessed because Christ helped me” process is a reach we need. Thank you.
jennifer benson schuldt on November 7, 2014 at 1:48 pm
Roxanne,
Thank you for this message–it’s a great reminder that we need fellowship after times of intense ministry. We see this as the disciples reconvened after dispersing to teach and perform miracles (Mark 6:30-31).
Also, I love the words that Jesus said to the woman after helping her. He used the word “daughter”. There’s so much in that word. It speaks of His authority and her belonging. Jesus values the faith He sees in us, His sons and daughters!