Reach Out

“And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years, but no one could heal her. She came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak, and immediately her bleeding stopped.  ‘Who touched me?’ Jesus asked. When they all denied it, Peter said, ‘Master, the people are crowding and pressing against you.’ But Jesus said, ‘Someone touched me; I know that power has gone out from me.’ Then the woman, seeing that she could not go unnoticed, came trembling and fell at his feet. In the presence of all the people, she told why she had touched him and how she had been instantly healed. Then he said to her, ‘Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace.’” 

Luke 8:43–48 

Luke shares an account of a hemorrhaging woman who reaches out, brushes her fingers across the edge of the Lord’s cloak as He walks by, and experiences instant healing. In a stunning painting capturing that moment, artist Ron DiCianni portrays her on hands and knees, one arm outstretched, desperately trying to make contact with the hem of Jesus’s garment as He walks by.  

In a sense, it’s a picture of each of us. Today. Right now. You have worries and anxieties. Maybe it’s health concerns or relationship strains with someone dear to you. Maybe it’s the ravages of depression. You’re scared, struggling, and lonelier than you can ever remember.  

Never forget that Jesus is near—so near you can almost reach out and touch Him. Do it! Right now. Don’t let the moment pass by. Touch His robe—you’ve already touched His heart. Reach out in heartfelt prayer. He will not disappoint you. 

Lord Jesus, do You see my hand? I’m stretching it out. I’m reaching for You. You know the issues of my life—my doubts, fears, pain, and even the longings I’ve never shared with another soul. I believe in Your love, Your power, and Your healing. Renew my hope today, for I am placing all my confidence in You.