Could she do it? Really, what choice did she have?

The air seemed filled with excitement as neighbors scurried past her home that morning. Hearing bits of conversation, the woman learned Jesus had come to town. Jesus, the man declaring Himself to be God’s Son, was here. From all she heard, He had healed the sick, raised the dead, and shared the love of God. Could this be the promised One? She believed He was.

Though her illness left her unclean, the woman knew she needed to enter the crowd. Home remedies and all the doctors around failed to bring a return to good health. In fact, the woman knew she was growing weaker each day. Because her condition rendered her ceremonially unclean, Jewish law forced her into isolation, prohibiting her from physical contact with others. She was alone in the world, yet she knew she was not alone. God was with her, and she would trust Him to the end.

The woman knew Jesus could help her, but to go against their law? Maybe no one would notice. There were so many people filling the streets. She had to do this. She had to get near Jesus, so He could help her.

The woman left her home, quietly slipping into the bustling crowd. She heard His voice – such kindness, such love and compassion. Then she saw Him still several feet away. If she could just inch closer and touch the hem of His garment, she knew her years of suffering would end. Reaching out, her fingers brushed the clothing of Jesus, and immediately she knew. After twelve long years, healing had come. Realization mixed with excitement as she started to edge away, but then she heard His voice asking a question meant only for her.

 “And Jesus, perceiving in himself that power had gone out from him, immediately turned about in the crowd and said, “Who touched my garments?” And his disciples said to him, “You see the crowd pressing around you, and yet you say, ‘Who touched me?’” And he looked around to see who had done it.” (Mark 5:30-32)

Excitement turned to trembling, as fear rose in the woman. Yet as she turned to look upon Jesus, the same courage enabling her to enter a crowd unclean helped her confess to Jesus what she had done. No condemnation or anger came from Him at being touched by an unclean hand. Instead, the woman looked up into eyes filled with love and compassion. Jesus said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease.” (Mark 5:34)

In courage, the woman reached forward in faith and touched the hem of the One who brought healing – not just physical restoration but also restoration to her heart, her community, and a sense of dignity after twelve years of separation. Her despair turned to hope as she reached out, and Jesus changed her life.

Sometimes faith requires courage, courage to step forward and do what God is asking of you because you trust Him. Maybe the task before you fills you with fear and uncertainty, but when your faith is rooted in Jesus, He gives you the courage to step forward and face your fear. He helps you do the difficult, frightening things as He surrounds you with His power and presence. You can move forward with courage as you reach out in faith to the One who looks on you with love and compassion. He knows what you are facing, and He offers hope in your despair. Reach out with faith and let Jesus change your life.