In my reading today, I was challenged. I tend to think that I have faith. I believe God is in control and my submission to his desires for me is the best plan.
But then I read of a lady in Mark 5, who had suffered with a physical ailment all her life. She spent all she had seeking the best medical advice known for her time. She had tried everything – exhausted every avenue. Then she heard about Jesus.
She could have approached Jesus with the attitude of: “Well, I’ve tried everything else, what can it hurt to go see this guy?” But Mark’s gospel gives us a picture of what was in her heart.
She truly believed in Jesus.
She believed that if she could just get close enough to touch his clothes she would be healed. She didn’t even need to touch him – just touching something that was touching him would be enough. She could have gotten his attention – made a scene – begged for him to touch her but she didn’t. With humility, she simply touched his robe.
As I have reflected on this story of faith, I have had to question my own faith. I tend to want something more tangible. I am not sure that just touching Jesus’ coat would be enough. I might have wanted him to look me in the eye and convince me he was who he said he was.
Reading of this woman’s faith challenges me to exercise my faith. It also drives me to proclaim with the man in Mark 9:24 who said, “I believe, help my unbelief.”
Father, grow my faith. As I live by faith, continue to draw me to yourself. With every day, help me to see the things you do to provide. Help me to see your interaction in the world and my life in real time – not years later. Amen
Clay in the Hands 
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