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Girlfriends in God - Nov. 16, 2009

November 16, 2009  

Valued  

Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth 
Mark 5:32 (NIV) "Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering."

Friend To Friend 
If you have ever felt worthless, this woman knows how you feel.  For twelve years she suffered from bleeding, and no one could find a cure. The more money she spent on treatment, the worse her condition grew. Her money was gone … her heart was spent. In Jesus' day, a woman was considered ‘unclean' during her monthly cycle. This woman had been considered ‘unclean' for twelve years. Untouchable. Unacceptable. Worthless.

But she had heard about this Jesus. "He heals the sick. He raises the dead. He restores sight to the blind." Perhaps he could heal me, she hoped.

Can you see her? Her head was covered. Her eyes were downcast, hoping no one would recognize her as she scurried through the crowd.

If I could just touch the hem of his garment, she mused. I know I am not supposed to be out in public, but I have nowhere else to turn. There he is! I see Him!

Thinking that she could "steal" a healing, the woman reached through the crowd and touched the corner of Jesus' robe. Immediately, the flow of blood ceased.

But what happened next was even more miraculous than the physical healing she received. Jesus stopped the caravan of followers to recognize one who felt worthless in the world's eyes.

As soon as the healing power of Jesus left his body, he knew it. Jesus spun around and asked, "Who touched my clothes?"

The disciples thought that was a strange question. Hundreds of people were pressing in all around him. How could he ask, "Who touched my clothes?" But Jesus always knows the intentions of our hearts and he distinguished the touch of faith from the touch of followers.

The woman could have easily snuck away with her healing. But Jesus was interested in her total restoration not simply her physical health. With fear and trembling, she fell at her Healer's feet.

"It was me," she cried. "I know that I am not worthy to wipe the dust from your feet, but I have had an issue of blood for these twelve years. You were my only hope. Forgive me, Lord."

"Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering" (Mark 5:34).

Yes, Jesus was on his way to an important official's home. Jairus' daughter was dying and Jesus was about to make an important house call. And yet, this daughter of Abraham was also important to Him. He stopped his journey, turned around, and restored her physically, emotionally and spiritually. She was worth it. So are you.

Let's Pray 
Dear LORD, I am so grateful that in Your eyes, I have great worth. I am so thankful that Jesus took the time to heal this broken woman and that He takes the time to take care of me as well.  As I go about my day, help me to reach out to those who feel worthless and share the love of Christ.

In Jesus' Name, 
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn 
Have you ever felt worthless?

What do you learn about Jesus' attitude toward women as He stopped to heal this woman?

What do you learn through Jesus' actions about stopping to encourage those who feel worthless? 

Go back and look at Today's Truth. How do you think it made the woman feel when Jesus called her "daughter?"

Want to comment on today's devotion? Visit www.sharonjaynes.com/blog.

More From The Girlfriends 
Today's devotion was taken from Sharon's book, I'm Not Good Enough and other Lies Women Tell Themselves.  To learn more, visit www.sharonjaynes.com

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