Faith and Healing

The Story of the Woman with the Issue of Blood The story from Mark 5 is about a woman who had been dealing with an issue of blood for twelve years. She had spent all her money on physicians, but instead of getting better, she grew worse. She was considered unclean due to the blood issue and was not allowed to be among the public. The Woman’s Faith The woman heard that Jesus was coming and decided to do something about her situation. She believed that if she could just touch Jesus’ clothes, she would be made whole. Her faith was so great that she believed she would be healed, and her only question was whether she could get to Jesus. Pastor Tommy contrasts the woman’s great faith with the struggles they sometimes have with faith. Pastor Tommy expresses a desire to have the kind of faith that the woman had. Pastor Tommy wants to trust God for who He is and what He has said He will do. Overcoming Obstacles The woman faced obstacles in getting to Jesus, including her weakness and the large crowd. She pressed through the crowd and touched the hem of Jesus’ garment. Pastor Tommy believes she likely ended up on her knees to reach the hem of the garment. Pastor Tommy emphasizes that a good way to get to Jesus is on one’s knees, humbling oneself before God. Pastor Tommy believes that when faith calls on the faithfulness of God, Jesus will be close. The Healing and its Significance The instant the woman touched the hem of Jesus’ garment, she was immediately healed. She felt it in her body and was filled with excitement and hope. Jesus felt virtue go out of him and asked who touched his clothes. Pastor Tommy emphasizes that when faith intersects with the faithfulness of Christ, a miracle occurs. Pastor Tommy believes that this miracle is something that one could not do themselves and only God could do. Pastor Tommy wants their faith to touch God and receive virtue in return. Pastor Tommy asks if one has really prayed and believed if their faith is not intersecting with God’s faithfulness. The Result of Faith The woman, knowing she was found out, fell down before Jesus and told him the whole truth. Jesus said to her, “Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague.” She not only got healed but also received peace. Pastor Tommy believes that when she gets to heaven, the woman will say that the issue of blood never bothered her again. Pastor Tommy emphasizes that Jesus makes people whole, not just better. Pastor Tommy believes that there are people who need the healer that makes them whole. Invitation to Seek Healing and Peace Pastor Tommy invites those who need prayer to trust in God and believe that He is present and moving. Pastor Tommy encourages people to step out on faith and believe God for what they need. Pastor Tommy believes that some have waited too long and allowed a small wound to become infected. Pastor Tommy wants to touch Jesus and be made whole every time, so that they can have a peace that passes all understanding and share it with others. Pastor Tommy believes that one may have to press through pride and oneself to get to Jesus. Pastor Tommy assures that if one gets to Jesus, He will make them whole and fix what is wrong with them.