Faith in Action(2): The woman with the issue of blood

Today, let's dive into the powerful story from Mark 5:25-34, where we encounter the woman with the issue of blood and her incredible journey of faith.

Understanding Her Story

This woman had suffered from nonstop bleeding for 12 long years. Exhausted and depleted, she had spent all her resources seeking healing, but her condition only worsened. However, she had heard about Jesus and the miraculous works He was performing—healing the sick and commanding the winds and waves. These accounts sparked hope and belief within her.

Key Principles of Faith

Let’s explore the principles she applied to get her healing:

1. Hearing and Understanding Jesus (v. 25-27)
   At the time the woman was introduced in the bible, Jesus had already started His ministry. She had heard he was healing the sick, even the wind and wave obeyed Him! The woman learned about Jesus' capabilities through the stories circulating around towns. This knowledge transformed into faith, and she understood that this was her chance for healing. Despite her condition, she was determined to seek Him out.

2. Taking Bold Action (v. 27)
   Overcoming societal norms, she defied Jewish tradition, which deemed her unclean and prohibited her from being in public. The consequence she could potentially face was to be punished. With the belief in her heart, knowing who Jesus was, she ventured out to touch His cloak, showing that her faith was a declaration of action, not just words. She acted on her faith.

3. Inner Confession (v. 28)
   She thought to herself, "If I just touch His clothes, I will be healed." This affirmation was not shared with others, likely due to fear of stigma. Instead, she focused on her believe, avoiding any negative influences that could sow doubt.

4. Resolute Determination (v. 27)
   It was not easy for her to push through the crowd. However, her confidence in Jesus' power drove her onward. She knew the risk of public backlash but held steadfast to her faith that she would receive healing. Hebrews 10:23 reminds us to hold unswervingly to the hope we profess/confess, and she exemplified this resolve. She held on to it through thick and thin.

5. Immediate Results (v. 29)
   As soon as she touched His cloak, the bleeding stopped immediately. This miraculous response confirmed her unwavering faith.

Principles Highlighted in Her Journey

From this woman's story, we can summarize the key principles of faith:

• Knowledge of Jesus: She knew and understood who Jesus was.

• Confession of Desire: She clearly confessed what she wanted.

• Avoidance of Doubt: She steered clear of naysayers and doubters.

• Heartfelt Belief: She hid the word in her heart.

• Holding Fast: She held fast to her confession of faith without wavering.

• Taking Action: She acted upon her faith.

• Receiving Results: Her faith led her to immediate results.

Reflecting on Your Faith

Now, it’s your turn to reflect: Are you assuredly certain that the Jesus you know is faithful? Just like the woman with the issue of blood, your faith and determination can lead you to transformative healing and for any other area you want to see results. Let this story inspire you to act on your faith and never lose sight of the power of faith!

Principles of Faith (Part 1)

Applying the Principles of Faith to Receive from God by Faith

Embarking on a spiritual journey demands faith as its cornerstone. I recently revisited the profound teachings of Kenneth Hagin, whose book transformed my understanding with the powerful revelation: "You can have what you say." This sparked an exploration into the principles of faith, intertwined with meditations from the Bible.

In this series, I will share insights the Holy Spirit has graciously revealed to me, building on Hagin's teaching and personal experiences. These principles are not just theoretical; they are lived truths supported by the unchanging nature of God's word, as affirmed in Hebrews 13:8.

Diving into Mark 11:23-24

Foundational to our understanding are the timeless truths in Mark 11:23-24:

"For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them."

Key Principles of Faith

1. Understand Your Circumstances: Before anything, discern the nature of your challenges. Knowing this guides you to the specific scripture relevant for that situation. God's direction in scripture is precise, similar to how He provided specific instructions in various Biblical narratives. I have seen from the scriptures that different circumstances call for different strategies. Various times during a time of trouble, war or healing, we can see through scriptures that God used a particular strategy. When Jesus was healing, He responded using various ways. The Holy Spirit is your ultimate help here, always ready to enlighten your path if you call upon Him.

2. Know Your Request: Clarity in your desires is crucial. Just as Jesus asked the blind man what he wanted (Mark 10:51), so must you articulate your needs specifically. This specificity not only helps in praying accurately but also in recognizing and testifying when prayers are answered. As Jesus asked the blind man, "......what do you want me to do for you?" Jesus could tell he was blind, but He still asked. So ask yourself, what exactly do you want? 

3. Find the Scripture: Once you comprehend your need, immerse yourself in scripture. The Holy Spirit will guide you to passages that resonate with your situation. He knows the mind of God (1 Corinthians 2:11). The practice of searching and meditating on these scriptures strengthens the assurance that your prayer aligns with God's will. You may be in the process of learning how to know when the Holy Spirit is speaking to you. I am still in that school of learning too. I go dig on the internet sometimes, and yes, the Holy Spirit is not opposed to that. He is very happy to meet us at our level and bring us up higher. Don't feel less spiritual if you have to do that. It's ok! I have found many scriptures that way.

4. Follow Practical Steps: Often, the Holy Spirit nudges us toward practical actions that accompany our prayers. These faith-driven steps, if obeyed, bring about the desired outcomes. Trusting and yielding to God's guidance can be challenging but is essential for spiritual growth. I have often faced times when I didn't trust His voice. This has taken time to develop, and it is a journey. We often yield to those we trust. Some of us have broken relationships with God; sometimes, this is a big obstacle to yielding and obeying. (In another post, I will share hindrances to faith). I encourage you to find your way back home to Him as I did. It will be immensely beneficial for you both spiritually and physically.

5. Align with God's Word: Ensure that your requests are in harmony with biblical teachings. Even if a specific need, like a car, isn't directly mentioned in the Bible, scriptures affirming God's provision, such as Psalm 34:10, Philippians 4:19, Matthew 7:7, etc, provide the foundation for your faith in God's provision.

6. Pray with Scripture: Present your requests to God, using scripture as your dialogue Isaiah 1:18. Remind God of His promises, affirming your faith in verses like Numbers 23:19 and Hebrews 6:18. This spiritual reasoning reinforces your faith and aligns your spirit with God's will. Never a thought that God forgets His promises but that He wants us to ask Him Ezekiel 36:36-37 and James 4:2

As we journey together, these foundational truths prepare us for deeper exploration in Part 2. I invite you to let these principles enhance your faith and lead you to seek a deeper walk with God as you journey on.

Join me in Part 2 as we continue to unpack these divine truths, drawing closer to understanding the essence of unwavering faith.