The Lord's House Community Church

Day 4, January 11, 2023

The Blessing in Pressing Through

God Honors Faith that Pushes Past Adversity

 

Scripture

Luke 8:43-48 And a woman having an issue of blood twelve years, which had spent all her living upon physicians, neither could be healed of any, Came behind him, and touched the border of his garment: and immediately her issue of blood stanched. And Jesus said, Who touched me? When all denied, Peter and they that were with him said, Master, the multitude throng thee and press thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me? And Jesus said, Somebody hath touched me: for I perceive that virtue is gone out of me. And when the woman saw that she was not hid, she came trembling, and falling down before him, she declared unto him before all the people for what cause she had touched him, and how she was healed immediately. And he said unto her, Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace.

 

Philippians 3:13, 14 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

 

Thought for Today

Jesus healing the woman with the 12-year issue of blood is familiar to most Christians. The miracle demonstrates how the Lord honors faithful determination. Jesus acknowledged her trust and rewarded her with a healthy body. The details in Luke’s writing give us insight into Jesus as Lord. As believers in Him, we may expect similar blessings as the woman Jesus healed on this occasion.

 

What other blessings did this woman receive during the brief encounter with the Savior?  Healing and relief from many years of suffering and shame alone were worth fighting through a desperate crowd. She did what she had to do to touch the garment of The Great Healer, activating an outpouring of even more blessings.

 

For instance, the woman received the benefit of financial relief.  She had spent all her money on doctors and found no cure for her ailment (v3). The Bible does not mention her again, but perhaps she went on to produce income as a healthy person.  What we do know is that Jesus freed her from the bondage of useless medical debt in one instant.

 

In addition, this unnamed woman could lay claim to one of the most powerful testimonies in the Bible. Imagine if you could relay a testimony of what the Lord did for you… as He stood in your presence! She actually heard the sound of His (human) voice. Her eyes witnessed His interaction with the disciples in real time. Is there any wonder that she declared Jesus (v 47) and testified the details of His miracle to all the people?

 

Afterward, Jesus gave her comfort and affirmed her faith. He gifted her with wholeness and peace (v 48).  Consider her example as you ask God for extraordinary strength to knock down barriers and draw near to Him. Be mindful that pressing in does not mean demanding God to answer prayer. Note that although she was persistent, the grateful woman came to Jesus with humility (v 47) and reverence. 

 

Take a moment to read 2 Timothy 2:3-7, which compares a faithful Christian who forges ahead to good soldier.  The warrior disengages from life’s affairs to endure hardness. His desire is to please the one that enlisted him.  The passage also mentions awards granted to a competitive athlete and the harvest of a hardworking farmer. Their rewards illustrate the benefits of pushing past difficulties.

 

The Bible reminds us that our ways are before the Lord’s eyes. He ponders our goings. You have stretched yourself in hard times to attend church, pray, or serve the Lord. Take comfort in knowing that your efforts have not escaped His notice.  Every challenge, test, and trial you overcome for the sake of Christ brings you closer to the goal. Your ultimate prize is the upward call of God in Jesus!

 

Time to Pray!

Father God, thank you for fresh grace and mercy this day. We pray for perseverance in the most challenging times and ask You to strengthen us in areas of weakness. Thank You for Your many blessings, although pleasing You is our greatest reward. In the name of Jesus…Amen