A Chronic Condition

As Jesus was on his way, the crowds almost crushed him. And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years, but no one could heal her. She came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak, and immediately her bleeding stopped. “Who touched me?” Jesus asked.

When they all denied it, Peter said, “Master, the people are crowding and pressing against you.”

But Jesus said, “Someone touched me; I know that power has gone out from me.”

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. ⁴⁸ Then he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace.” Luke 8:42-48

Here is a story of a woman with a chronic illness who had tried many treatments to get well, but none had worked. She had opportunity to see Jesus so she seized the chance to touch his coat. And she was healed. That quickly!

You could say you have a chronic illness called Grief. Since it takes a long time to get well or to reinvest in life it is like a chronic condition. Like her, you may have tried many therapies to get whole again. Maybe you have tried shopping therapy, or working overtime, or withdrawing from people, from activities or even family. Maybe you have tried some more self destructive “therapies” like substance abuse. You may have spent time and resources trying to find a way to avoid the necessary journey through the valley of the shadow of death. And maybe you have realized these things are not making you whole again, like this woman hadn’t been healed.

Now you are ready to admit you need assistance from One who knows the way. The woman knew she needed Jesus. All she did was be where He was and reach out to touch Him. He knew they had connected. He was aware of her and of her need and that His power had moved toward her for her good. He is equally aware of you, your need and that His power will make a difference for you. He is equally willing to share His power with you for your good. He sought her out so that she couldn’t get away without identifying herself. Jesus just wanted to clarify for her and for those surrounding the events that “her faith had made her well.”

I would revise that just a little. Her faith in Jesus made the difference. I have known people who had faith in their own faith, or in something else. Those didn’t make them well. Faith in Jesus is where the healing is found.

So, like this woman with the chronic illness, I recommend you put yourself where Jesus is – in worship and with His people. In a support group where Jesus is allowed and proclaimed. In a Bible study or discussion where people are honest about their need or brokenness and where they are seeking Him for hope. Reach out. Touch Him with your laments and prayers. Find healing and wholeness. This faith in Jesus will make a real difference. It’s how the power is received.