All three gospels tell us about the “bleeding woman.” We don’t even know her name but the Bible tells her story. We know she has been hemorrhaging for twelve years and was in a lot of pain. We know she came up behind Jesus and touched his robe. We know she got healed.
Jesus said to her “Daughter, your faith has made you well.” This bleeding woman is our model for how to manage “sickness” in our lives. That sickness can be mental, physical, emotional, or situational. Besides the obvious message, here’s what we need to know….
You have to admit you’re wounded.
This unnamed bleeding woman had been going to the doctor for years and trying many different treatments. She spent everything she had to pay them. When the doctors couldn’t help, she went to find Jesus. Pretending that you’re not “sick” won’t make it go away. You cannot do this alone. You need to get help.
You can’t give up on healing.
The doctors did not help the woman she could have resolved to stay sick but she didn’t. She did not give up. It doesn’t matter how long you’ve been suffering with this issue in your life. Do not give up. God has the ability to change your situation. Healing from a “thing” means that you get rid of it or you learn how to live with it in a way that is healthy and productive. Take the healing however it comes, but get healed.
You have to take it day by day.
The woman was “immediately healed” but we know she had been going to doctors and spending all her money on treatments for 12 years. Your “immediate” healing is not always immediate, so take it day by day until your change manifests. Try not to be discouraged and just keep pushing your way toward healing each and every day.
You have to do something.
Jesus told the woman that her faith healed her. She never said anything to Him, but He knew her faith by what she had done. Our faith is the power that moves us to action. Do something about your situation. Pray and slay.
It takes courage to heal.
This woman exhibited a tremendous amount of courage by going out into that crowd. Back then a bleeding woman was not to be seen or touched. She broke all the social norms to get her healing. You may have to ignore the crowd and how they do it to get what you need. Be courageous enough to push against the norm.
When you really want to heal your situation you have to actively pursue your healing one decision at a time. Eat better. Save money. End the relationship. Whatever you need to do, just take the first step. This woman was “frightened and trembling” when she told Jesus she touched him. Having courage doesn’t mean that you’re not scared. It means you have decided that the benefit of healing far outweighs the fear. Go get healed.
Are you sick? Jesus can heal you but you have to participate in the process.