“Jesus asked, “Who touched me?”After everyone denied touching him, Peter said, “Teacher, the people are crowding you and pressing against you.” Jesus said, “Someone touched me. I know power has gone out of me.” The woman saw that she couldn’t hide. Trembling, she quickly bowed in front of him. There, in front of all the people, she told why she touched him and how she was cured at once.” Luke 8:45-47 (GW)
Sometimes all we need is just one touch from Jesus Christ to be healed and made whole.
There’s a Bible story found in Luke 8 about a woman who had been suffering from chronic bleeding for twelve years. When she knew Jesus Christ was passing by her town, she took a major risk and pressed through the crowd because she believed that only one touch from the Savior would heal her. She defied her society’s standards that said she was unclean due to her illness and, therefore, should be isolated. But she sought the Healer for something only He could give. This might have been her last resort as none of the doctors she’d seen were able to treat her condition. But she heard that Jesus was the ultimate Healer, so she braved the crowd and didn’t give up until she reached Him.
As soon as her hand touched the hem of Christ’s garment, she was healed. The crowd had been pressing into Him, but the moment the woman made contact with His clothing, Jesus stopped. He felt the power go out of His body, and He wanted to acknowledge who caused it. But more than that, He wanted to talk to the healed woman and call her by a name that showed what she meant to Him. Luke 8:48 says: Jesus told her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace!”
I love how it only took one touch from Jesus to heal this woman. I am deeply moved by Christ’s personal touch. He didn’t ignore the woman but, instead, paused His mission work so He could connect with her and meet her need. Not only did He heal her, but He set her free, identified her as a child of God, commended her faith, and blessed her with peace.
Thankfully, this story isn’t only an ancient illustration. Jesus is still the Healer today in our modern era. There was a time in my life when I was suffering and my doctors didn’t know why. But I had a few faithful prayer warriors praying over me, and God healed me without medical intervention. I am grateful for the people in my life who go to God for me, who pray for me even when I cannot pray for myself. It’s important to have good people in our lives who are there for us as we live in community. None of us are supposed to be isolated and feel alone in our struggles. If you don’t belong to a Bible-believing church, I encourage you to join one.
If you don’t know where to start, pray and ask God to guide you. He can send people into your life who you can trust and who will seek Jesus with you. I also encourage you to share your stories about how God helps you. The Bible says in Revelation 12:10-11 (KJV) that we overcome the enemy “by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of [our] testimony.” They also say in Christian circles that your struggles you’ve overcome could someday be another person’s survival guide. We need each other and we need to share how God is working in our lives.
The song “Broken But I’m Healed” by Byron Cage speaks to my heart. I hope you will listen to the lyrics and be encouraged to seek God as your Healer.
Let’s Pray: Dear God, thank You for being my Healer. Thank you for never leaving me. Thank You that You are a personal God who cares about every aspect of my life. Thank You for lovingly reminding me that I am your daughter and You are my Heavenly Father. Please continue to heal everyone who comes to You. Teach us to have the kind of faith that pleases You, Lord. We love You. In Jesus’s Name, I pray. Amen.
Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/kevron2001
Alexis A. Goring is an author, blogger, editor, photographer, trained journalist, and total foodie. She specializes in Contemporary Christian Romance (fiction) and devotionals (nonfiction). Her first devotional book, Stories and Songs of Faith: My Journey with God, was published in April 2020. Alexis hopes that her life’s work will lead people to Jesus Christ and teach them about the God who loves humankind with all of His heart. When she’s not sharing words that inspire and encourage the heart, you can find her in the kitchen cooking up something tasty, or in a café or restaurant, either dining solo or sharing a meal with loved ones. Connect with Alexis online via her website (https://alexisagoring.
Related Resource: Jesus Calling - Stories of Faith
Kerry Washington, Andrea Bocelli, Reba McEntire, Mark Wahlberg, Tony Dungy, and Matthew McConaughey—what do all of these people have in common? They are all people of faith who have leaned on God in both the good and challenging times—and they’ve shown up to tell their stories of faith on The Jesus Calling Podcast. The Jesus Calling Podcast provides a place for people from all walks of life to share the heartaches, joys, and divine moments that keep them going.
Inspired by Sarah Young's classic devotional book, the Jesus Calling podcast has brought encouragement and peace to millions. New episodes drop every Thursday! Listen today on LifeAudio.com or wherever you find your podcasts.
