What Happens When You Risk Just a Touch of Faith? (Matthew 9:18-26)

In today’s episode of the Daily Bible Refresh, Dr. Brad Miller reads Matthew 9:18–26 from The Message and reflects on two intertwined stories of healing: the woman who had been bleeding for twelve years and quietly reached for Jesus’ robe, and the local official whose daughter was brought back to life after Jesus cleared out a noisy, doubting crowd. From a progressive faith perspective, Dr. Brad unpacks how God often honors quiet, uncertain reaches of faith just as much as bold declarations, and how genuine transformation frequently requires clearing out the noise—social, emotional, and spiritual—to make room for what’s truly alive in us. Drawing from his experiences with cancer patients and from time spent hiking in nature, he offers practical action steps: reach out exactly as you are, and intentionally create moments of quiet where healing and clarity can emerge. The episode concludes with a prayer and an invitation to deepen your journey through the ABC 123 Bible Study Method at VoiceOfGodDaily.com, as part of the mission to share the audible word of God with 2 million ears by 2028.Key TakeawaysQuiet faith is real courageThe bleeding woman’s silent reach for Jesus’ robe shows that authentic faith doesn’t always shout; sometimes it simply reaches, even when you’re unsure or afraid.Exclusion and stigma don’t stop Jesus from seeing youIn her cultural context, the woman was considered ritually unclean and pushed to the margins, yet Jesus stopped everything to see her, name her courage, and call her “daughter.”Transformation often requires clearing out the noiseAt the official’s house, Jesus sends out the gossips and casserole-bearing crowd before raising the girl, modeling that deep change often happens only after distractions and doubters are removed.There is a spiritual power in quiet spacesJust as meaningful moments on a hike happen away from the parking lot noise, spiritual clarity and healing frequently emerge in silence—when we step away from cultural outrage, opinions, and constant performance.You don’t have to feel “ready” to reach outOne action step is to identify an area where you’ve been waiting to feel more certain or bold—and to reach anyway, exactly as you are, trusting that Jesus honors even timid steps of faith.Another action step is to intentionally reduce “noise”Dr. Brad invites listeners to name at least one source of noise in their lives (media, voices, environments) and to clear space—even for a few minutes—for quiet attention to what’s genuinely alive within.Links referenced in this episode:voiceofgoddaily.comThe "Daily Bible Refresh" is presented each day by Rev. Dr. Brad Miller who has a goal of speaking a bit of the bible into two million ears (one million people) in three years (2025-2028).He is the author of "The A, B, C-1,2,3 Bible Study Guide" Free to you by clicking HERE.Brad served as a local church pastor for forty years and has a background in radio and podcasting. Moreover, he is a life-long student of The Bible.He believes in the words of Jesus that “scripture is fulfilled in your hearing” (Luke 4:21)The "Daily Bible Refresh" is available seven days a week by 6:00 am ET. The episodes are no longer than ten minutes long and are...Understandable: A reading from the New Testament (usually the Gospel) selected from the Revised Common Lectionary using "The Message" translation.Relatable: You will have a couple of "points to ponder" from the text which will relate to your lifeApplicable: Every episode includes a way you can take action based on the readingA recommended resource to help you go deeper in biblical study and spiritual direction.A prayer for your day.A companion resource to the Voice of God Daily Podcast is the “ABC Bible Study Guide” available by clicking HERE.The "Daily Bible Refresh" is available every day at VoiceofGodDaily.com on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and all major podcast directories.You can help Dr. Brad attain his goal of getting a bit of the bible into two million ears by subscribing to "Daily Bible Refresh" on Apple Podcasts, leaving a five-star rating, and writing a review. More importantly please share with your network of family and friends about the "Daily Bible Refresh".Please make listening to the "Daily Bible Refresh" a part of your daily life.Remember… “All scripture is God-breathed and useful”(2 Timothy 3:16)