It was mid-afternoon when I sat on the crinkly white parchment paper, swinging my legs like a five-year-old. I’d taken half a day off work to make the appointment. For four years, my stomach hurt every single day, and no amount of dietary changes, supplements, or prescriptions could alleviate it. I was desperate to be healed. So, I sat in the cold doctor’s room and waited for a new diagnosis.
In Mark 5, we find two very different scenes where Jesus interrupts the lives of people who also needed to be healed.
After Jesus casts out demons from a man they possessed, He tells him, “Report to them how much the Lord has done for you and how he has had mercy on you” (Mark 5:19). This exorcism was worth broadcasting all over town because Jesus didn’t just heal the man by wiping out all memory of his demonic bondage. He gave him a story of mercy—one that amazed everyone who heard it (v.20).
Next, we meet a woman who had a bleeding disorder for twelve years (v.25). In a tender moment that makes me want to cry, we’re told that this woman touched Jesus’s clothing and then “sensed in her body that she was healed” (vv.27, 29). Can you imagine the reaction she must have had after carrying around this messy, unwanted affliction for so long, as well as the frustration of countless medical dead ends (v.26)?
Just like the demon-possessed man, her healing was not meant for her alone. It was another story of mercy to be passed down, so that people like you and me, and those who come after us, can learn about the character of our Savior.
Jesus is absolutely concerned with our physical healing, but He cares most about our spiritual healing. He cares about our wholeness. As believers, we have received the staggering gift of spiritual reconciliation—which means when we accept God’s love, He extends His mercy through Christ and restores our hearts to Him without the barrier of sin.
Although I haven’t yet been healed from my physical ailments, without a doubt Jesus has rescued, restored, and healed my heart. Time and again, He has consoled me with the comfort of His presence in my darkest nights. He has rescued me from myself through the kindness and intercession of others. And, quite honestly, even in the moments when I’m too hurt to receive His comfort or perceive His presence, I have these stories in Mark as a witness of His rescue. They help me believe.
The Lord has done amazing things for us, both seen and unseen. His mercy changes the trajectory of our lives. Even demons shudder at the power of Jesus (James 2:19), and this same power is what dwells inside us through the Holy Spirit. Let’s keep talking about the things God has done for us that amaze us. Let’s help each other believe.
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98 thoughts on "Jesus Rescues, Restores & Heals"
Lord may my words and my life give you glory and praise today!
“Let’s help each other believe.” I love that line. If we don’t share our answered prayers with others, we can’t increase one another’s faith. ❤️
Don’t be afraid. Only believe. Mark 5:36.
Great to be reminded of the power and position of FAITH in our lives. Hard to fully understand that when we think God isn’t responding to our needs in accordance to our expectations. Thank you, BAILEY, for sharing your experience and how Jesus heals your heart even though you aren’t healed of your affliction and how we should focus on these written examples of faith and all the ways He reaches out to us.
God bless you Melanie! I pray in accordance with you for healing, and for myself as well! For the back and leg pain to dissipate. Amen
I pray daily for my healing and the healing of others. Continuing to believe for my healing
Very insightful.
With Covid and the loss of my wife and Noah’s mom it has been a tough 2 years. But God is good and I have had faith that God would bless our family in this tough time. I’m amazed at Gods love and how He brought Rita into my life and the future for us together.
Jesus healed my tormented spirit just by telling me I was ok. Instantly all the pain disappeared and was replaced with joy and peace. God is amazing.
Don’t be afraid, only believe. How powerful!!!! Thank you Lord for your blessings and healing.
One of my favourite passages where the lady touches his garmet and feels herself healed. How amazing is our God. What a great read today.
I didn’t realize that he was alowing gentiles to spread the news of his miracles and not the Jews. This makes alot more sense now. Thank you!
Response to Kristen LeighEllzey:
I’ve been wondering about the same thing. Earlier this year I heard someone say that Jesus allowed the gentiles to share openly about what the Lord has done for them, while he forbid the ones with Jewish background. The reason could be that every time the Jews, the Pharisees and other Jewish religious leaders or groups in particular, heard about Jesus, h miracles and claims to be God and other people claiming it too, they got more and more furious and stirred up, and consequently Jesus would be closer to his crucifixion and death. Every miracle amongst the Jews would leave him one step closer to the cross in that sense.
This may not be the whole reason but it gives some thoughts.
I think I heard it at The Bible Recap podcast with Tara Leigh Cobble and Bible reading plan with the same name. Unfortunately I don’t rememberv the specific episode, but at least it’s from one of the episodes recapping the Gospels.
I was thinking about this yesterday! I’m not sure if this is right but, I was thinking it is because Jesus did not want too many people to catch on to who He truly was (the son of God) because then He would have not been able to complete His mission of being crucified for us. Faith is also such a personal thing— maybe He wanted it to be their personal testimony! That’s just what I was thinking :)
My heart is consistently so encouraged reading these comments. What a family we have in Christ!
This is response to Nancy Hubbard..
My husband and I were discussing this. He tell the demon freed man to “go tell what the Lord has done for you” but strictly warns the girls parents not to.. other instances of that recorded where some were to keep quite but some share the news… I am curious as to why
Do not fear, only believe!!
I needed this word tonight.
Than you Jesus
Lord you are a healer
I stand amazed at your glory and power you are so amazing!
Do we know why the healing of the little girl was to be kept silent?
Being unclean. Ugh wish there was an edit feature here! :)
Having those horrible heavy periods and extreme pain I cannot even imagine what she went through. There were no pads or tampons or midol back then! Thankfully I was able to have a hysterectomy to stop my bleeding and pain. I remember each month the embarrassment of bleeding through my pads and clothes. It was awful. Listening to the podcast I learned more that this woman was probably also an outcast because of ring unclean and unable to live in the camp with the others for 12 years. Can you imagine? Jesus called her daughter. So emotional.
It was in the darkest moment of my life that I experienced the palpable Presence of Jesus – it was the moment when my mom entered into eternity after a horrific battle with cancer. We prayed throughout her illness for healing, which came only and mercifully at the doors of heaven. It seems so strange to write that at the worst moment of my life, the heaviness of the Spirit of God in her hospital room is the very thing that keeps my hope alive and sustains me today. My mom was a powerhouse in my life. Her physical absence is a gaping hole that never seems to heal in my heart, but somehow when I draw upon the memory and what I physically felt that April afternoon, I see it as a merciful gift and it is what helps me to continue to believe.
Okay… to be honest.. cried through that whole reading. The perfect love of Jesus is so overwhelming ❤❤❤
Praying for your healing, Bailey!
I believe truely to be Good,
On the boat Jesus asks why are you afraid. Do you have no faith, now again in verse 36 he says “Don’t be afraid, only believe”. I’m realizing faith and fear can not cohabitate. If I’m fearful it should be a neon light showing me I’m not having faith. Jesus faith is so strong he’s not even awake in the storm in the boat but how often can I not even sleep because I’m so overwhelmed with fear! Jesus here is taking his time healing along the way, he has no stress of getting there too late! Oh to be like him!
This is one of my favorite passages. I love the humbleness of the woman touching His garment knowing she would be healed by simply touching Jesus. This is so beautiful. I am so thankful for the many miracles in my life. God is so good!
It’s my understanding that he wanted the message of his ministry to spread amongst the gentiles but was careful when it involved the Synagogue knowing they would persecute him.
“Jesus mercy changes the trajectory of our lives!” These mercy stories help me remember His unending love, power and authority.
Ole thing that stuck out to me as I read this is that this was just a snapshot of 1 day in the life of Jesus. WOW! I also have never noticed the number 12 in this before- the woman had bled for 12 years, Jairus’ daughter was 12…
I think about all that God has done in my life and I’m just so grateful and amazed. I cannot imagine the testimony that the demon possessed man and the bleeding woman had- KNOWN outcasts immediately healed by the command or touch of Jesus! I just wonder how many lives were changed by just those two people?!?!
I thoroughly enjoyed our study of Joshua, but I must say that Mark has been so refreshing this week! Just an awesome reminder of the power of our Savior!
@Meghan Fox I did that study last summer and loved it! I learned so much! Probably one of the best that I’ve ever done!
I wonder why Jesus healed the man with the spirits and woman with bleeding and told them to tell everyone but when he he healed the rich mans daughter he told them not to tell anyone?
That’s something that stood out for me too – wonder why ?
I love this passage in Mark. Jesus heals three people in three different ways. There is no textbook way of healing but individual healings. Two people may have the same sickness but get healed in different ways. The stories in the Bible build our faith but we each need to go to God for His wisdom and words for our healing
Tina – You have a God given beautiful heart.
Oh,Nads, prayers
❤️
God is so good. I could cry.
Wonderful testimony! I have the same struggles with anxiety
Oh how I love the sorry about the woman with the issue of blood. My church is going through the Jesus & Women series by Kristi McLelland and I have truly loved learning more about 1st century Israel. It brings so much more detail to these stories in the Gospels that I have read time and time again. I highly recommend watching the videos (you can rent them) and getting the study book. When you see how Jesus lifted this woman from a place of shame and resorted her honor, it is so beautiful. She was not allowed to be in public and certainly could not touch anyone. There are other translations where Jesus says “Take heart daughter”. Oh how beautiful! He sees her and acknowledges her.
Have you been tested for celiac disease?
Yes to this! I have dealt with many mental health issues recently and felt the same way reading this. How amazing is our God!♥️
@Laurie Eckes….it is two separate healings. Jesus healed the daughter of the synagogue leader and in Acts 9 Peter healed Dorcas aka Tabitha.
@LAURIE ECKES, it is 2 different people. Jesus heals a little girl who is 12 years old and Peter heals a woman who was always helping those in need.
It is a great reminder that even in the dark God doesn’t leave us on our own. I am currently in one of those dark seasons but I know he is always near end comforting and listening because he did so through Jesus on earth and has shown me in previous dark seasons.
I’ve been having stomach pains and vomiting almost every day since December 27. I couldn’t imagine being in pain for four years.
So I’m a bit confused. In Mark 5 it talks about Jesus healing the child, (little girl I say to you , get up) but in Acts 9 it says Peter said “Tabitha get up”. So who did this,Jesus or Peter or is it two separate incidences?? Thanks to anyone who can help @swt.
I think it’s two different stories, I think the authors of the devotional were just trying to find the similarities
NADS, praying!
I have witnessed God’s healing of physical ailments in others close to me. One day on deaths door, the next, after prayer and giving it totally to God, my son started to improve until totally healed. This is one of many stories. God works in my life daily, restoring and healing my heart. He is my best friend. My prayer is for His healing in all hearts and bodies . So many close to me are struggling with pain (physical and emotional). I am claiming the healing for them all. Praise God!
The instances Jesus heals the three persons in Mark 5 are very different. It spreads out the whole spectrum. The woman with the 12-year blood issue, who disobeyed the Deuteronomy “unclean bleeding” law, which could sentence her to be stoned to death if caught, risked it all to come and touched Jesus’ garment from behind with much discretion. Her great faith and boldness (tired of being sicken tired) made way for courage and immense faith to rise, and she was made whole. She TOOK her healing by faith. See how healing is initiated from her side ALONE? Jesus was astonished, who touched me He asked. Now that is great and amazing, go build up your faith. What if my faith is not there yet to grab healing on my own? Let’s look at another successful case, the demon possessed man, no ounces of faith could possibly be mustered in such a deeply tormented person on all levels (naked, shameful, self loathing, suicidal, cutting himself -injured, homeless, messed up mind), not even the faintest knowledge of a Savior/Healer for this poor soul to have any faintest hope, yet that Savior knew and came. Now, that is God’s initiative alone, His mercy alone. God can spot you out. And third case, Jairus with his young daughter, he asked for help, he submitted his case, but while the healing was yet to come, still in line waiting, the daughter died, too late, what’s next, to give up faith now or to go on, why bother right? Jesus said “keep on believing”. Different stages of faith here, from zero to hero, yet ALL received healing and were restored. Now which case are you? Trust that where you are, God is able. He is still on the throne, still the same. Have faith in God. All things are possible with God. JUST BELIEVE.
Ladies, let’s encourage each other with how God has showed up and healed us. I have struggled with anxiety and worry my whole life. God has brought me to a place where I worship more than I worry. Anxiety and worry is still something I still struggle with, but I know that God has brought me so far in this journey. I still have some hills to climb, but I know that God will be by my side.
Wow! I needed to read this devotional today. I’ve struggled with bipolar disorder and anxiety for the past 10 years. I sometimes wonder if I would “be healed” if I just read my Bible more, or prayed more, been a better Christian, all those negative thoughts. This devotional made me realize that God may not be taking away my mental ailments but he is “rescuing, restoring and healing my heart.” Thank you!
Bailey says, “Time and again, He has consoled me with the comfort of His presence in my darkest nights.” I can identify with what she is saying here. When there are major thunderstorms or flooding in the area where I live it brings back memories of my son’s death. When I’m driving and see reckless drivers it reminds me of my niece’s death, which is even harder because we haven’t been able to have a service for her yet.
Sisters have a blessed day.
I’m enjoying the study of Mark. It feels like a whirlwind of goodness. I sometimes forget how far God has brought my son. His life expectancy was 27. He turns 33 the beginning of April. Praise God. There have been huge struggles and a lot of emotional pain if watching those struggles. But God…without Him I would not have made it through. Prayers for my roots to grow deep into the soil.
Many years ago I heard a pastor talk about the man with the legion. In Mark 4 Jesus says, “Let’s go to the other side.” Before they got into the boat Jesus knew where He was headed to the man with the legions. He knew about the storm, but he also knew that man needed him. Jesus went across the lake to meet this man and heal him. In Mark 5 it starts with Jesus stepped out of the boat the man was there. This is the only thing Jesus does in Gerasenes because they get so scared they run him off. When I think Jesus came this long way for this one man that people had written off it makes me humbled to know He loves me just as much. That He will continually fight for me.
Have a blessed day ladies!!
Amen to this! You’re so right regarding mental health and the professional help that is required. I have seen a couple of wonderful Christian MFT’s who have walked me through a very rough time in my life. So thankful I was able to get the help I needed and have Christianity woven through all my sessions.
Nads, praying for your dad and your family. Such a hard thing to experience, especially during this time.
Well said, Maura!
Praise God, Tina!
Nads…PRAYING! It’s so hard to watch our parents falter. Praying for peace that truly surpasses understanding for all of you!
TINA, thanking God for your good report and thankful for the opportunity to pray along with you and others!
LAURA and KAREN S, hour posts touched my heart this morning. You will be in my prayers.
HEIDI, I’m always encouraged about the future generation when I read your insights. Thank you for your contribution!
KT, that painting you mentioned was in my mind’s as well as I read that passage today. I was going to mention it, too!
I am inspired by the comments of ALL of you sisters in this community! So much wisdom and insight. We are truly blessed to be here and have the freedom to share!
BAILEY, Thank you for these words of truth and encouragement today!
Mark again packs so many life altering, Jesus healing in this scripture. A joy to read along with all of your comments. I love that Jesus turns and acknowledges the woman after she has been healed from her bleeding issues. I believe the healing, but also Jesus looking at her, seeing her, acknowledging her faith changed her life forever. He wants to restore us wholly that is why He came. Angie, so appreciated what you said about the man freed from being demon possessed and the HRT. I never thought about that either the fact that Jesus tells the man to tell others. I wonder if in telling his story of healing it also restored the man to community. I have always wondered about the herd of pigs, and today it struck me that the legion were so many in one man that it took a herd to contain them all. What joy that man must have had to be free from such torture. There are many hurting in our world may we touch them with Jesus love, however that looks for each of us. Some people just need to be seen, heard. Some need a meal, a smile, a touch. But all need to know that they are loved by our Prince of Peace and King of Kings and He gives us the power always to pray, so many need prayers as each of us do. Praying for you Karen S, His complete healing, is dim for this doctor if that is how God heals you, but He knows exactly where and what to heal. Strength for your heart! Laura praying for you and your family. Toni Thomas-praying you know He sees you and feel His love and for healing for your relationships, grace and peace of our Lord Jesus. Keep shining your Lights Sisters, you make a huge difference and may you know He delights in you and loves you beyond measure.
Right now, I am hyperaware of my weakness and brokenness, not physically, but mentally and emotionally. When things happen in life to cause brokenness, it’s so easy to forget that God allows them so that he can be the one to heal me. This passage is so divinely timely. He knows what we need to hear when we need to hear it, and today he says to me: child, I want to heal you.
God has always had my best interests at heart. I was a baby born to parents who couldn’t keep me. My adoptive mother got into drugs and had all kinds of bad things happen. Yet through it all God was always with me and looking out for me. I praise Jesus that He has kept me safe and secure all these years. Thank you Father! You amaze me all the time on the things that you do. Thank you is not enough.
❤️
Hi Sisters, PRAY please.
I’m a day behind with reading so not sure re: today’s Scripture but, I’m
reaching out for prayer. My highly intelligent, hard on himself, still working at a high-level 81 year old Dad, who helps care for many of my mom’s needs…has had a STROKE! Just 2 weeks before he said he understands that bodies age but, he feels so sorry for people who’s minds become affected…that would be “the WORST”!!
And now, here we are!!! His body was mostly spared with the stroke but, his mind is like that of an unmotivated, reduced comprehension little child and a disgruntled old man simultaneously
:(
It is so hard to witness but we were raised to see that God work things in His own way and trust He is doing things in Dad, perhaps to prepare him :( for the Kingdom. We have faith.
But please still pray. Mom is beside herself thinking how they will manage. Dad is so lonely and Covid restrictions mean only receiving ONE visit per week…which he cannot comprehend (i.e. we have simply abandoned him).
God bless you all ❣️
Heidi, this is exactly why the story of the woman with an issue of blood is one of my very favorites. What makes me cry every time is when he stops, seeks her out in the crowd, and then calls her “daughter.” He sees her and loves her when no one else seems to. I, too, have a chronic illness, and every time I read this story, I feel so much peace, hope, and thankfulness.
Look what God has done! He has defeated some super ugly lies from the enemy in my marriage! He has delivered my children from fear and anxiety. He has provided healing through surgery for my own body, and the recovery has been quicker than I could have asked for or imagined. He has faithfully, abundantly poured out His Spirit in my life, teaching me what is true and giving me encouragement and teaching for others who are also seeking Jesus. He has redeemed me! Sometimes my heart feels TOO full with gratitude and praise, and I just can’t contain it all. God, be glorified!!
KT- I just looked up the painting you mentioned and wow! What a beautiful depiction of that moment!
The staggering gift of spiritual reconciliation. Let that truth sink deeply into my heart today, Lord!
I agree that listening to the weekly podcast really helps me think through these passages and helps them come alive! Thank you for this fabulous resource.
Praising God with you Tina. Thank you for updating us..
As long as I’m living I’m going to keep on talking. I’m going to keep on telling others they can be healed and continue to be healed. Through the ministry of celebrate recovery I was able to set boundaries and deal with my past head-on. I was able to deal with my hurts habits and hangups. I’ve always been able to confess my sins to God directly but through the ministry of CR I was able to confess it to another person. I was open. And it felt great! I will never stop telling others.
There is a beautiful painting called Encounter found in the Magdala Chapel in Israel that is an artists representation of the scene with the woman. I can’t imagine the suffering she endured and then the magnitude of her healing. I love her laser focussed determination to get to Jesus and of course his loving and compassionate response.
Tina so glad for your good report! I also continue to pray for the other needs expressed in the comments, lifting each of you before the throne of grace.
Praying for those of you struggling with chronic pain. Heavenly Father, bring hope and healing to these precious women, your daughters. Give them Your strength through Your Holy Spirit to continue to trust and obey as they love and serve you. Amen. <3
Heidi, Yes girl, YES!!
This is so encouraging and a reminder that no matter what we may be dealing with physically and even if we don’t see the healing we’d hope for, the spirit of God is alive and working in us and is with us, always!!!
This really stood out to me: “….Don’t be afraid. Only believe.” Mark 5:36
Lord let me BELIEVE without fear. Amen ❤️
Oh to be healed from this physical pain!…. one day, yes one great day!. I believe.
May WE recognize the authority and power of Jesus as the Legion did, as Jairus did, as the woman with the issue of blood. May that same power be evident in our lives that others may come to know Jesus too!
There is so much detail and further descriptions of the backstory with the “bleeding woman”… I encourage y’all to take time, maybe if you’re in the car this week, to listen to this week’s SRT podcast with Lauren Chandler… it opens so much more up for ALL the chapters we’ve read this week.
But this bleeding woman- one thing in particular that stuck with me was the order of events- she touched his tassels on his robe, she was instantly healed- but He has more in mind for her. He stopped and made time for her. He valued her. At this time in history, a bleeding woman would’ve been basically banished from society and labeled “UNCLEAN”. No direct contact with family, friends- for decades this woman was outcast, unwanted, unseen. Then AFTER her physical affliction was healed, Jesus says to her “Go in peace and BE HEALED from your affliction”. There was still an affliction on her, though not physical. She had a lifetime of hurt, mental distress, relational deficits to heal from still. Can you imagine the kind of depression and anger and mental suffering she had to work through and recover from? And Jesus saw it, valued it, and gave specific instruction- He gave her peace to start working through the healing still to be done.
ANYONE who doesn’t believe our mental-selves carry the same importance and value of our physical-selves does not value the wholeness God created us in. I want to strongly encourage anyone on here to go in peace and seek healing from an educated, licensed professional (as opposed to simply a church-appointed counselor) – someone who has been called by God and educated in the mental-health field. It kills me- if i were to break my arm or fall and bang my head, NOBODY in their right mind would encourage me “no no, don’t see a professionally educated MD… no no, you need to see the person at church who has taken a couple of classes in first aid… they’ll take care of your injuries…”. Sorry- this could be a sore spot for me!! But mental health has been neglected far too long by the Church. Please know this- YOUR SAVIOR? Wants full healing for you. Your Enemy? Does not. Claim His power, be strong and courageous, and step out for the continued healing that will bring wholeness to your life.
I relate to this so much…Even in the darkest nights of pain, I know my God is with me and He is faithful, always!!
Laura,
I admire your faith. I pray you continue to believe that God can change hearts, despite their ideas and declarations. I know He can because I have experienced crazy change. He can do it for your family. Dear Lord, please continue to give her faith to believe that her prayers avail much.
Needed this today. Struggling with little to no relationship with my best friend and no relationship at all with my mother but I rest assured that Jesus is ALWAYS with me
I also hopped over to HRT to read the commentary there. I was deeply encouraged by these words: “What will happen when these two powers come face-to-face, the power that has come to restore humanity and the power bent on destroying it? And yet, the battle is over before it even begins. The oppressors surrender on sight, and King Jesus sends them, tails tucked between their legs and squealing in defeat, back to where they came.” I have felt this battle personally for years in my own family. Satan wants to destroy us, through my husband’s affair, my son’s denial of his Christian upbringing while in college, and my daughter’s rebellion and declaration of being homosexual. It has been a discouraging and never-ending battle…But I am often reminded through Scripture, through glimpses of hope in my family, through healing in my marriage, that God is greater than any evil. He reigns supreme! He wins! It gives me hope and I keep trusting. Praying for my children’s “heart soil” to change, to become good-ready to hear the truth that they were taught when they were young. Help my unbelief, Lord.
Oh that I could just touch the very hem of His garment and be healed of numerous on-going health issues. I will have to repeat all of my history yet again next week to a new Dr. as I look for answers. Most days, I just carry on and deal with my symptoms. But some days are just really hard, not only physically, but mentally and emotionally. I do believe, but I am so very tired of the battle. Prayers for wisdom, strength, and peace are sincerely appreciated.
Karen, I’m praying right now for you. For peace
Karen S. I pray for you. I know just how you feel! It has become a joke with my family and friends just how many Drs I’ve had shake their head and say; “this doesn’t make sense”. Each and every time I pray so hard that this will be the Dr. that finally figures something out. I feel for you. Praying you get answers soon!
The biography of the woman with the issue of blood, and Jesus healing Jarius’s daughter have always been two favorites of mine. But today, it is the healing of the man with the Legion inside him that the Holy Spirit is using. My first thought was, if that man was cutting himself, how desperate he must have been to be freed of the evil that bound him. He would have rather not lived, then continued in such a way. My heart breaks for him. After Jesus healed him, he told the man to go and share what had been done for him. So often in Jesus ministry, he healed someone and told them not to go around sharing it. Did he allow this man to share because he knew a healing this profound would be known, and the man would need to pour out praise? Was the timing such that being quiet about who Jesus is, didn’t matter anymore? Those were my first thoughts, and then I read the He reads truth written by Collin Ross today. I have copied and pasted the last 2 paragraphs. He talks about the spiritual battle we live daily. This is my take away today:
“Without question, the scriptures present a worldview that acknowledges a spiritual battle underlying the pain and injustice we see in the world. Knowing this, Mark records this story to remind us that Christ’s power to rescue, restore, and heal is far greater than any force of evil. In this instance, one man’s nightmare ended, but Jesus wasn’t finished. Like this unnamed man, Jesus Himself would be stripped naked, abandoned, and His flesh torn. In love, He would allow the “Legions” of the world to do their worst to Him so that He might take the full force of evil upon Himself and give people like us a new life, free from oppression.
How are we to respond to this unearned gift of freedom? Listen again to Christ’s instructions to the restored man: “Go home to your own people, and report to them how much the Lord has done for you and how he has had mercy on you” (Mark 5:19). Before, this man was living a broken existence. Now, he takes the light of Christ’s salvation to those who are lost in darkness. May we, who have been given new life in Jesus, go and do likewise.”
Sisters, may we all pour out the seeds of the gospel generously and report what our God has done while dwelling in His mercy and grace. Our hope is built on nothing except, JESUS.
Churchmouse and Ms. Tina! Y’all faith! Wow to how it moves me. I’m praying for my capacity to increase.
So glad your beautiful heart is ticking as Jesus intends Ms. Tina.
Churchmouse you’re anchored. You’re prayer life is the channel of peace between you and our Savior. Keep up your consistency.
Blessings to you both. ❤️
BAILEY GILLESPIE, I just want to send you a hug wrapped in prayers.
This is so beautiful.❤
Report to them how much the Lord has done for you and how he has had mercy on you”
To be honest, for me reporting isn’t enough. I would love to shout from the rooftops.. I probably do here on SRT. When you have encountered, when you have known the mercy, the love, healing in a journey that makes no sense. When your arms failed because of fear. When you have been the woman with bleeding issues. OMG, when you have a house full of people and yet, only God can be felt. When you have been so disrespectful to the one true God, yet He blesses you with a gift beyond gifts..
When..
But God..
Reporting today as I recall His goodness, mercy, grace, love, provision, Ah, the hope.. the hope that one day..
But God..
I love you guys.. thank you for you and our meeting here each day..
Blessings wrapped in love.❤
Thank you Bailey Gillespie for reminding me of Jesus’ mercy and remembering to talk about what Jesus has delivered us from. I’m always focused on what I’m still struggling with. Jesus delivered me from lust. I haven’t been sexually involved with a man since December 27, 2013. I took a vow of celibacy. I didn’t think I could do it, but the encouragement from my best friend Wynee helped me to see I can. Of course Jesus was with me every step of the way. I’ve always wanted to practice purity before I met Wynee, but I wasn’t surrounded at the time with people that encouraged that, (or believed in my desire I guess.)
“Then Jesus stopped the crowd and wouldn’t let anyone go with him except Peter, James, and John (the brother of James).”
Mark 5:37 NLT
So much to digest and pray over in this chapter. Jesus’ healing power will always blow my mind no matter how many times I read the Bible. And remembering as His disciples with faith we can do more than he did? That boggles my mind even more. I think the result for more miraculous healing is connected to the level of faith we possess. Jesus was about to perform an ultimate miracle where only certain people could witness it.
Right above this scripture verse there was a man named Jairus, and an unnamed woman who was bleeding for twelve years. Jairus felt like he physically needed the presence of Jesus there to heal his daughter. The unnamed woman needed to touch Jesus’ cloak. It absolutely amazes me that these two vessels both experienced Jesus’ physical presence, yet had two different levels of faith.
It makes me reflect on myself. I don’t have this unnamed woman’s level faith. I wish I did. I have more of Jairus’ level of faith. I pray my heart is heard, and I don’t come off offensive, but our level of faith individually comes down to our religious beliefs. What we think we need from Jesus, verses what challenging our faith capacity can actually do. In other words, the true power of a mustard seed of faith.
““You don’t have enough faith,” Jesus told them. “I tell you the truth, if you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it would move. Nothing would be impossible. ””
Matthew 17:20 NLT
It makes me reflect on how many people have been removed from my space. It reminds me of both Jesus and Peter having to remove certain people in the room before the miracle. I guess Jesus had to lovingly walk me through moving certain people from my space, before I had the strength to own celibacy. I made the decision to walk into a practice I always wanted since as long as I can remember: purity. If it meant being single then I was willing to walk in that single season, (or lifetime.) I don’t know what the future holds. I know Jesus holds it.
And Jesus is still with me in my new valley now. Remembering this positive breakthrough of celibacy, (thanks to Bailey) has me hopeful that this season shall pass. This season feels final, but I’m growing to challenge my feelings with what Jesus says in the Bible. I’ve been able to walk through so much since becoming celibate, and walk in seeing how much has been buried inside of me. Jesus is doing the work, and I’m willingly getting out of his way.
In Mark 5, I’m not sure if this unnamed woman challenged her faith capacity, or she was so desperate for healing that her capacity of faith grew as a result. Jesus was moved enough to pause his mission to find out who touched his cloak. The unnamed woman was afraid, but Jesus told her she’s been made well. That also makes me think about how crippling, and real fear is. And how my own fear sometimes cripples me. I know that God didn’t give me a spirit of fear, but I still battle fear. I recite the scripture below, (and maybe I should take this week to meditate on it.) I’ve been meditating on Revelations 21:5, (not as much as I like with being back at work, but I’m pushing myself.)
I’m grateful to be back at work, but it’s hard walking in an assignment I have no peace leaving, because I think God wants me there. I do like working where I work, and I work with kind people, (that was a journey too.) It’s hard to not be surrounded by believers who want the will of God, and are willing to face inner healing/truths. That’s so rare to find these days. I couldn’t even find it in the churches I used to attend. I am churched out. Some of the most manipulative people dwell in a church building. Yet we are the church: multiple parts of one body. Some of these buildings became a religious facility of regulations and conditions. It’s sad, but reality. Thank God the Bible prepares us with the religious Pharisees. Also thank God for mercy and grace. My healing is changing my trajectory moment to moment.
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.”
2 Timothy 1:7 NLT
I’m so thankful that Jesus is so gentle and reassuring. That’s why I love the Bible so much. For me, it’s the greatest teacher. At the end of Mark 5, Jesus had to remove certain people from the room before the miracle of Jairus’ daughter can occur. One of the witnesses is Peter, which brilliantly ties in our Acts scripture:
“But Peter asked them all to leave the room; then he knelt and prayed. Turning to the body he said, “Get up, Tabitha.” And she opened her eyes! When she saw Peter, she sat up!”
Acts of the Apostles 9:40 NLT
Peter also had to remove certain people from the room before he was used as a vessel. Jesus was used to wake up Jairus’ daughter from sleep, and Peter was used to wake up Tabitha from her sleep. I aspire to have this level of faith one day. I am going to our Savior. I’m so thankful for this safe space called SRT. What an authentic community. I’m moved. There’s healing and prayers being answered for us. I wish real life looked like this. Maybe one day…
Be well beautiful SRT. ❤️
Tina, that is wonderful news! Praise God! ❤️
Dear Tina, so glad to hear your report of good heart health! Thank you for allowing me the honor of praying for you. Dear SRT sisters, every one of your prayer requests is indeed a privileged opportunity. I don’t often post that I’m praying but please know that I am. And that I rejoice in your praises as well. This is blessed fellowship for which I’m very grateful.
“Don’t be afraid. Only believe.” How often I’ve said these words to myself: when my husband had urgent surgery and I couldn’t be with him due to Covid restrictions, when our oldest granddaughter underwent 5 surgeries in 12 months, when I received a cancer diagnosis, every time our son in law was deployed, when our oldest daughter suffered with post partum depression, when our youngest daughter had nausea throughout her entire pregnancy, when our newest granddaughter had a minor surgery at 7 weeks old. BUT GOD. He replaced my concern with His great comfort. His Word gave me calm assurance that He was walking through each dark valley with me. He wrapped me in His peace that passes all understanding.
None of us are immune to difficult days. There is much hardship to bear. Some yet to come. BUT GOD is with us. BUT GOD. Don’t be afraid. Only believe.
Yes!! BUT GOD!! I do feel the comfort and presence of the Lord through every single trial and tribulation through every dark Valley and every Bleak moment. I have a story I have a testimony and it is far from over. Your words encourage me. I have not had to sit through so many, BUT GOD moments, as you have but I have had my fair share in abusive marriages and facing the reality of God still loves me even if I walk away from my marriage. In the moments of loneliness and single motherhood. Having a child who has gone through 12 surgeries in eight years of life and we still have at least one more two face. Oh I could go on and on about my story but there are so many the stories and testimonies and we all need to lean upon one another. Thank you for sharing bits and pieces of your story and how you have been loved I felt the comfort and presence of Christ in your story. Because he is always with us and always for us
Report to them how much the Lord has done for you and how he has had mercy on you”
Well, I think this is a good time to ‘report’ that all is well with me. I got my phone call, sent for an ECG, had a consultation and told my heart was fine!
Praising God, for each and every one of you for your prayers and well wishes, but of all for thanking God who heard your pleas and prayers for my betterment.
Thank you sisters wrapped in blessings.❤