you didn't choose this, but surely Jesus can use it!
Have you ever sat back and thought of the woman who bled for twelve years and was healed by her faith? This woman had a "before healing self" and likely an "after healing self". Similar to your before and after "D-Day'
The gospels of Luke, Matthew, and Mark record the events of a woman that suffered from twelve years of constant bleeding. She spent everything she had to pay for doctors and found no relief, in fact, her condition had gotten worse. It's likely during this time, her condition caused her to be isolated from family and friends. She likely was called, 'unclean', likely unmarried and without close relationships. Little doubt, she was exhausted and desperate for healing in her mind, body, and spirit.
One day this woman got word that Jesus was traveling through her area and she tracked him down in a large crowd. She managed to get close enough to touch the end of Jesus's robe; and was instantly healed. At the same time, Jesus realized the power had gone out of him, so he turned around and asked the crowd, "Who touched my robe?" In fact, Jesus kept looking around to see who had done it. During this time (we do not know how long) this frightened woman trembled at the realization of what happened to her, she then came up to Jesus and fell to her knees in front of him and told him and everyone in the crowd what she's been through and why she touched his robe.
Sisters, let's remember Jesus knew who touched him and he knew her every thought - for He is fully God and fully man and fully Spirit. Erin believes Jesus was giving this woman time to process. Let that sink into your spirit for a minute.
The Word tells us this woman knew her bleeding stopped, and her faith healed her. But it leaves Erin wondering if Jesus miraculously removed all of her negative self-talk and shame at the exact moment she was healed and if she lived the rest of her life in peace. We don't know, but we do know, this woman was human and like us, she would likely have to review years of negative thoughts and revisit people that abandoned her or visit places where she was once turned away ---- Sisters, this woman likely had triggers. To live in peace she would need others to come alongside her that encourage and edify her (and a counselor if they had that during Jesus's time).
Okay, back to the Word, notice how intimate Jesus's response is when she falls on her knees in in front of him, he calls her, "daughter". Isn't that a beautiful, intimate, and loving way to call someone into their true identity? Take notice of how loving He was that he didn't rush her response or ask a second time, "who touched my robe". How sweet to look through the crowd for her. Jesus was not upset that she slowed down other healings he was to perform, nor did he judge her for blowing through her life savings trying to find healing. Jesus' response is what we all crave, especially when we suffer; we want to be fully loved, known, and accepted, healed and we want His peace.
What an amazing testimony this woman is to us.
Erin's prayer is that as you read through God's love story, you will fully come to know just how loved you are by God. That Jesus responds to us the same as it was with the women that bleed for twelve years - such divine patience and love. That you know there is nothing that can separate you from this love or pluck you out of his hand once you have accepted Jesus as your savior. God is forever sovereign and patient with you as you heal and make decisions regarding your marriage. May you be comforted knowing God ordained all the good, all the bad, and even the unspoken things that have occurred in your life and that will occur in your future. May you be encouraged in the way Erin is that someday your sufferings can be used to glorify God. Amen.
Jesus still heals in response to our faith.
Luke 8:43-48, Mathhew 9:20-22, Mark 5:25-34
1Peter 4:12-13
Dear friends, don't be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. Instead, be very glad - for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world.
Romans 12:2
Do not be conformed to the patterns of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - His good, pleasing and perfect will.
Genesis 50:20
You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people.
Philippians 4:8
Finally, sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
Get to know Erin
Erin has been trained and certified as an Advanced Biblical Life Coach from Light University. She is a certified Partner's Recovery Coach (PRC), Sexual Recovery Coach (SRC), and soon to be certified as an Intimacy Anorexia Coach (IAC) through the American Association for Sexual Addiction Therapy (AASAT). She previously volunteered at a Rape Crisis center and led senior and junior youth for over 12 years. Today, she serves at her church as a Stephens Minister, and a small group leader. Currently, Erin is trusting God to transition her from a 27-year career with Express-Scripts as a Senior Manager to serving partners at Tea Time Ministry.
Erin loves reading God's Word, spending time with her three adult children, solo hikes, motorcycle adventures (as a passenger), campfires, and intimate conversations with women over hot tea. She journals regularly and cooks home-cooked meals. Erin watches Christmas and black-and-white movies year-round. She enjoys alone time and often being in large crowds drains her energy.
Erin invites you to connect with her over a virtual or in-person cup of tea. Join her in one of the offered partner recovery workgroups.
