Passage of the Day:
And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years. 26 She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse. 27 When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, 28 because she thought, “If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed.” 29 Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering. 30 At once Jesus realized that power had gone out from him. He turned around in the crowd and asked, “Who touched my clothes?” 31 “You see the people crowding against you,” his disciples answered, “and yet you can ask, ‘Who touched me?’ ” 32 But Jesus kept looking around to see who had done it. 33 Then the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell at his feet and, trembling with fear, told him the whole truth,” Mark 5:25-33.
Reflection:
The woman that Jesus encounters remind me of a modern-day cancer patient. Even if you catch cancer early, the medical expenses can result in becoming bankrupt if this condition doesn’t improve. As for this woman suffering from a rare bleeding disorder, she spent everything she had with a belief that first century doctors were going to be able to at the minimum, improve her condition. Tested beyond what she could handle, this woman’s last hope was Jesus. After hearing stories of how Jesus had cured and healed others, all she wanted to do was touch him.
Prayerful Action:
Jesus said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering,” Mark 5:34.
Working Out Your Salvation:
One thing is clear about 2024 being a year for transformation, humility is a painful process. While I don’t have a bleeding order, I have caught a bad case of failure-itis. As I try to seek advancement in my career, I keep failing. Although my Resume is a work in progress, my daily efforts should help, but haven’t. Subsequently, I find myself tested beyond what I can handle. While I don’t have a thorn in my flesh, I am learning that in my own weaknesses, Jesus can be strong, 2 Corinthians 12:7-10. This is how God uses trials to lead you in the right direction, until you get the hint or keep in step with the Holy Spirit, Galatians 5:25, to find the place in life where you belong.
Song of the Day:
As I listen to the lyrics of Place in this World, I am reminded that trials prepare you for future situations in life. Perhaps, when I do finally experience progress or success in 2024, I’ll be more thankful for the journey that I have been on. Keep the faith as trials persist this summer.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 