“Take heart, daughter,” he said, “your faith has healed you.”
And the woman was healed at that moment.”
Matthew 9:22
Chronic illnesses can be physically and mentally debilitating. For me, the continual bleeding and pain of three years had me “throwing in the towel” and agreeing to have the hysterectomy recommended by my doctor. He had already explained the future health concerns of my endometriosis and even with delaying the procedure, there would be little chance for me ever being healthy enough for a future pregnancy. So, reluctantly, I scheduled the procedure.
I am sure many women, including me, can bond with the woman in Matthew 9:20-22. “Just then a woman who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak, “if I only touch his cloak, I will be healed.” Jesus turned to her. “Take heart, daughter,” he said, “your faith has healed you.” And the woman was healed at that moment.”
Try to place yourself in this woman’s sandals. She did not have modern medicine, and probably had exhausted all remedies of the day. Imagine her weakened physical and physiological condition, especially given twelve years of frustration and pain. She needed a miracle. She had heard the stories about Jesus and His healings. Still, where did she find the faith?
Romans 10:17 tells us, “Faith comes from hearing the message and the message is heard through the Word about Christ.” This woman had heard of Jesus, but she would have also heard the Bible describe God as “Jehovah-Rapha” more than 60 times. We know Jehovah means God and Rapha means to “restore,” “heal,” or “make healthful.”
In Proverbs 4:20-22 it says, “My child, pay attention to what I say. Listen carefully to my words. Don’t lose sight of them. Let them penetrate deep into your heart, for they bring life to those who find them, and healing to their whole body.” This scripture, in original Hebrew, literally means God’s Word is medicine to our flesh.
Being a healer is an essential part of God’s character. God cares about us, and completes all areas of our health, whether physical, mental or emotional. Not to be discounted is the spiritual invigoration He provides, like that in Psalms 102:2-3. When we understand that God is the Great Physician, we understand no healing happens apart from Him. He is our only source for lasting healing from brokenness!
Christians from different denominations and varying affiliations, all over the world, believe the power of healing from God is limitless. Our healing is completely up to God, and in the way He chooses to heal. He may have chosen a physician, medicine, or perhaps He has healed you through prayer, reading His Word, by your faith, or trusting and relying solely on Him. Some have received their healing on the way to heaven; it is not up to us to decide. But, by His stripes we will be healed!
With my surgery less than two weeks away, and little thought of healing, God chose me to demonstrate his power, compassion and love. As His obedient servant held my hands in prayer for healing, the rush of God’s warmth penetrated every cell in my body. His touch reached down into my heart and laid it bare, exposing every sin and sorrow. I fell at the foot of the cross and cried out for help. I was not crying out for healing, I just wanted to know Him and change. I just wanted the peace I had seen in His servant; she was obedient, compassionate, and true to Him.
I am confident the doctor’s office must have thought I had gone off the deep end, cancelling my much needed surgery. My explanation of having been touched by God and healed must have sounded a little different, but that is what happened. They were probably even more astonished after I became pregnant, but not with one baby, twins! You see God always does more than we can even imagine!
Best of all, He is still blessing today! Hebrews 13:8 reminds us, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”
Shaped by Faith Prayer
God, I recognize You as my source of healing. You have been with me even when I didn’t realize it. You see me right where I am and You still reach down and help me. Thank You Father for always helping me and for moving me into a place of healing with You!