When Desperation Calls

 

 Often times you will find that it is through mere drive and determination, not talent or pedigree that you have been able to find success and answers in your life. I heard a quote once that I will never forget, "Success is not measured by what a man accomplishes, but by the opposition he encountered and the courage he maintained in his struggle against it". Sometimes it seem like everything, is working against, our trying to find success and the help that we need in things. But not even a hint of failure can overtake us if our being determined to succeed, is strong enough and is found to be in the will of God. That reminds me of a woman in the Bible, whose faith was rewarded by her determination to have what she longed for, her health! In Mark chapter 5 her thoughts are revealed, "If I could just touch His clothes, I would be healed", that is what she told herself, this nameless bleeding woman who had traveled many miles, fueled by nothing but her faith. She had a bold plan. According to the Mosaic Law, a woman who was ceremonially unclean wasn't allowed to touch anyone, let alone the Son of God, yet desperation calls for desperate things. For 12 long years she had had this problem with loosing blood and it was causing her to be physically sick and even socially unacceptable. The Bibles says that the physicians of her time were unable to relieve her suffering. She spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she only grew worse. It was a daring plan but never the less, she was determined to make her way to the One that she believed could do for her what no other could. Her faith was born out of her desperation. Instead of making a show, our bleeding sister quietly "came up behind Him in the crowd and touched His cloak" Mark 5:27. By law, her touch would have made Him unclean. By grace, just the opposite happened. "Immediately her bleeding stopped" Mark 5:29 says. Without a word, a look, or a touch from Jesus, she was made whole simply by believing He could heal her...and daring to act on that belief. As her faith was rewarded her, she wasn't the only one who noticed. Jesus turned around in the crowd and asked, "Who touched my clothes?" Mark 5:30. At that point she and Jesus both knew that it had happened, her faith had healed her. Wow, how that scripture illustrates how sensitive Jesus is to our needs, that just a touch in faith to His garment will get His attention for us! How her heart must have pounded as she heard Him say, "Who touched me?". When the disciples pointed out to Jesus that there were many in the crowded street and everyone was touching and grabbing Him, Jesus kept looking around to see who it was that had touched Him with that kind of faith! He wasn't looking to accuse but to affirm. The same faith that empowered her to stretch out her hand now, gave her the strength to step forward. She "fell at his feet and trembling with fear, told him the whole truth" Mark 5:33. She risked everything, public humiliation, and maybe even possible punishment for her actions to explain her confession of faith to Jesus. The true miracle in this story is about the faith she had, not what she did. Her determination was fueled by her faith. Her willingness to believe she could be well again, despite all evidence to the contrary, and do whatever it would take to get it. When she heard about the man Jesus, who'd healed many who had various diseases in Mark 1:34, she made a beeline for Capernaum to see Him. What is it, that you want from Jesus today? When was the last time that you longed to touch the hem of His garment because you knew that only He has what you must have to be better, to be whole, to be free ....whether it be physically, or spiritually? He will not disappoint you dear friend, but your faith will determine your answer. If you struggle with your faith; simply ask Him to help your weak faith and show you where your answer lies. And do everything in your power to trust Him!

Hold Fast,

Bren