Read Mark 5:24-34 and Hebrews 4:15-16

Gym class made me sweat. Not because I was overly exerting myself. It had more to do with the rising emotions of standing in a clump of kids, waiting to be picked for a dodgeball team.

How do you feel about being a “last resort”?

When all other options are exhausted and someone finally looks your way, how do you feel?

The woman we read about today had tried everything before she tried Jesus. She spent everything she had trying to get well.

Her bleeding forced her to the outskirts of Jewish life. She was unclean. All the time.

She had to be weak.

Discouraged.

All kinds of tired.

And she hears about Jesus. Some guy who hangs out with the riffraff in town, makes religious leaders crazy, and throws in some sermons and miracles along the way.

“Could this be my moment? Could this Jesus provide a miracle for me?”

So, she makes her way through a sea of sinners who want a piece of Jesus. He’s been ministering – pouring Himself out all day – and feels power leaving His body.

“Who touched me?”

He asked His disciples. They didn’t have a clue.

In this mayhem, how could anyone know?

Then the woman, seeing that she could not go unnoticed, came trembling and fell at His feet. In the presence of all the people, she told why she had touched Him and how she had been instantly healed (Luke 8:47).

For twelve long years this woman was sick and forgotten. In one instant of faith, she was well. And because Jesus is a master at asking questions, she got to give Him all of the credit and praise in front of all of her on-lookers.

Jesus was her last resort. Her one last ditch effort to find healing.

He didn’t seem to mind.

Then He said to her:

“Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace.”

There’s disappointment and pain, but no shame, in trying everything but Jesus.

It’s our nature.

And when we come to Him, we don’t get a lecture. We don’t get what we deserve.

When we approach Jesus with confidence rooted in faith, we find there’s more than enough mercy and a whole lot of lavish grace waiting for us.

How long have you been ‘bleeding?’

I’m not talking about the physical kind.

How is your soul?

Are you ashamed that Jesus has been on the back burner of your life? The last thought of the day as you hit your pillow?

Jesus is longing for you to approach Him. He understands you. He can’t help but notice you. He wants to help you in your time of need.

Isn’t it time you let Him?

Shelly Eberly