Back in the late ’80s there was a popular saying: “I have an issue” . . . meaning I have a problem. It’s funny that it caught on, but—unfortunately—it was truer than the person who uttered it knew! We all have issues at some point in life or another to varying degrees. My issue may not be your issue. What vexes you may not be what troubles the next person, but rest assured, you have an issue.

A woman who had an “issue” for twelve years sought relief. Her issue caused her to try many things; she used up her finances trying to get a solution. She was focused on her issue.

Then Jesus came. There was a throng or crowd pressing in on Jesus on every side . . . all touching Him at some point, yet when she touched Him, He “touched” her! It appears as if her focus shifted from her issue to the One who held her healing. By faith, she knew that if she couldn’t touch Him, by simply touching the garment he was wearing she would be made whole. Her faith propelled her, and she managed to get through the crowd to reach Jesus. Her need, and faith that Jesus could meet that need, drove her to her goal.

After reading this story again, God revealed to me that she did not steal the healing from God. Jesus was willing to have power flow from Him. What she did do was connect . . . she connected with Jesus and the power was there all along waiting to be released. Faith connected to power equals miracles, deliverance, healing. I have to apply this to my life immediately!

What distinguished her from the others vying for Jesus’ attention was her faith. They wanted Jesus to recognize them, she recognized Jesus and who He was. Her issue no longer was the driving force, it was her faith that moved her to take action. It was her faith in Jesus and who He is that made the difference. Faith caused her issue to be resolved.

We have issues . . . do we have faith?  —submitted by Rodney Harrison, US