Unprecedented Journeys
“Storms make us take unprecedented journeys”
She did what the 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. Head down, she mustered strength of heart and elbowed her way through the crowd as she uttered those most precious and powerful words of hope, "If I can just touch the hem of his garment."
A healthy woman never would have appreciated the power of touching the hem of his garment, Lucado says. I agree. I would say that only the deeply hurting make that kind of journey or think those words or take that kind of risk.
You know, many preachers and writers have examined the story of Peter walking on water, but I think the scene is worth examining today. As you know, the storm was more than they could handle, but when Jesus came strolling across 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 Peter did a Peter Pan into the storm and did the impossible. 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 absolute awe. Perhaps he and the others would have stood there with jaws wide open and their eyes more so. We don’t know. But I agree that he would not have had the urgency to leave his circumstances. Remember our quote above? Storms make us take unprecedented journeys.
Ever taken an unprecedented journey? Like me, maybe you’re on one now.
Are you hurting physically? Perhaps you've been dealing with pain unknown to most, but like the woman or Peter, something invisible and unforeseen has clouded your life or is threatening it. Or maybe you're apparently healthy and able, and yet you've willfully and knowingly neglected your body as a fearfully woven gift. The consequences have caught up to you and they’re waiting for you at the door; along with the thugs named, Fear and Regret.
Something has hit you - whether by surprise or otherwise - and you’re left with a bridge to cross. Your body has broken or is breaking and things aren’t functioning properly. Your travail is unmistakable and insurmountable and while people walk by you as they live out their lives, you summon every last drop of grace inside of you to simply stand up and take a step. You sing what Paul Tripp writes:
Weakness is my lot.
Suffering is my prison.
You have chained me to frailty.
I cannot break free.
But this prison is your workroom.
and I am your clay.
You are not a jailer.
You are a potter.
I have not been condemned.
I am being molded.
Whoever you are and whatever your needs, make no mistake...Jesus knows the hurt and your heart. There's no pain or scar He won't understand, so bring it all. Risk it. Take it. Get up. Limp through the crowd. Crawl to safety. The Bible says many people were pressing against Jesus when He asked, "Who touched me?" (Mark 5:30), which means that while many people actually touched Jesus on the road that day, only one truly reached.
--Jimmy Peña
For Discussion: What was it that got that woman up and through the crowd? A desperate heart. Same for Peter. They both believed that Jesus was their only answer. What unprecedented journey are you on?
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