She did what a suffering Job couldn't. Jacob, David -- them, too. Just run through the Bible and find as many people as possible who hurt physically, and one woman did exactly what each of them would have done in an instant.

Having suffered for years with an issue that condemned her as an unwanted and unclean outcast, doctors couldn't heal her and family disowned her. She was out of money, out of her mind, out of choices, so she got up out of despair. She mustered strength of heart and elbowed her way through the crowd. She said those most precious and powerful words of hope, "If I can just touch the hem of his garment." 

Max Lucado once commented that a healthy woman never would have appreciated the power of merely touching the hem of his garment. I agree. Only the deeply hurting make that kind of journey, utter those kinds of words or take that kind of risk.

Many preachers and writers have examined the story of Peter walking on water, but the scene is worth examining. As you know, the storm was more than they could handle, but when Jesus came strolling on the water, Peter got out of the boat. You remember. Fearing for his life, he called out to Jesus and Jesus said, “Come.”

Next thing we know he did a Peter Pan into the storm and did the impossible. He figured he would rather be with the Water Walker than on a sinking boat. Now, I’m not the first person, nor will I be the last, to point out that Peter would likely not have gotten out of the boat without the storm. Some scholars say Peter would have marveled at what he saw. Nobody would argue that Peter would have been in awe. Maybe he and the others would have applauded? Who knows? But he would not have chosen . Remember our quote above? Storms make us take unprecedented journeys.

Even taken an unprecedented journey?

Now, the Bible says many people were pressing against Jesus when He asked, "Who touched me?" (Mark 5:30)

Maybe you can relate. Are you hurting physically? Perhaps you've been dealing with pain unknown to most, but like the woman in our story, something has privately clouded your life. Or maybe you're apparently healthy and able, and yet you've willfully and knowingly neglected your body as a fearfully woven gift.

Whoever you are and whatever your needs, make no mistake...Jesus knows your hurt and your heart. He There's no pain or scar He won't understand, so bring it all. And remember, while many people actually touched Jesus on the road that day, only one truly reached.

--Jimmy Peña

For Discussion: Some heart. A heart for Jesus got that woman up and through the crowd that day long ago. And for us, it's when whatever we're going through, tempted by, and challenged with can't compare with our desire to be near Jesus, that's when we're healed. Are you reaching with all your heart?

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