The Women Who Met JesusSample

Will Jesus Acknowledge My Suffering?

Persistent medical conditions can be disheartening and even debilitating. This was true in the New Testament story of the bleeding woman. She had been hemorrhaging for 12 years. Mark tells us that she had “suffered a great deal” under the care of many doctors and had exhausted all of her funds. All of this, and she was still bleeding. She was considered “unclean” in society. This would likely have caused her to be isolated, lonely, and discouraged.

She had become so desperate that she was willing to do anything. She had probably heard rumors about a miracle worker named Jesus, who had been going from town to town healing various illnesses and diseases. Throwing caution to the wind, she went to see if He could heal her, too.

Imagine getting to Jesus and seeing the pure chaos of the crowd. He is surrounded by people and the chance of even getting an audience with Him is slim. But that did not matter to her. If she could just touch His garment, she tells herself that she will be healed. As it turns out, she is right. Her faith in Jesus’ power is commended by the way He pronounces her instantly healed.

Our moments of desperation should lead us to Jesus, too—even if we can not be guaranteed the same outcome. For instance, even though Paul wasn’t healed of his affliction (2 Corinthians 12:7–10), he still found encouragement from turning to Jesus.

In our most desperate circumstances, it is critical that we look to Jesus. He is the One with the clearest perspective on our struggles and the One we can trust to have our best interests at heart.

Reflection: Where have you experienced suffering in your own life? Where are you with the Lord in that circumstance? Spend some time in prayer right now and be honest with the Lord about your feelings toward Him.