Lisa Notes: “Courageous”...to touch Him

“Courageous”...to touch Him

As I study the woman who bled for twelve years (Luke 8:43-48), I’m amazed at the courage she showed.

She already had two major strikes against her before she even touched Jesus: culturally, she was not to be in public as an unaccompanied female; and religiously, she was considered unclean and thus prohibited from milling about the general public.

But what she did next was also daring—she reached out to touch a man without his implied consent. And not just any man—the God-man.

Her courageous initiative paid off.

Jesus’s power not only healed her, he affirmed her faith, called her “Daughter”, and sent her off in peace (Luke 8:48).

One lesson?

(There are many.) Jesus is ready for us—he rewards us for reaching out for him. Even if all we dare is connecting a fingertip to the edge of his clothes. His power is more than enough to take it from there.

This song is from the movie Courageous. While the outer message is primarily for men, the implied message is for everyone:

You were made for so much more
Let the pounding of our hearts cry
We will serve the Lord
...
The only way we'll ever stand
Is on our knees with lifted hands
Make us courageous
Lord make us courageous

May we all use courage to lift our hands to touch the Savior, however that works for each of us.

We have his consent; he is more than available.

And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.
Hebrews 11:6

Courageous
Casting Crowns
LYRICS

We were made to be courageous
We were made to lead the way
We could be the generation
That finally breaks the chains

We were made to be courageous
We were made to be courageous

We were warriors on the front lines
Standing unafraid
But now we're watchers on the sidelines
While our families slip away

Where are you men of courage?
You were made for so much more
Let the pounding of our hearts cry
We will serve the Lord

CHORUS:
We were made to be courageous
And we're taking back the fight
We were made to be courageous
And it starts with us tonight
The only way we'll ever stand
Is on our knees with lifted hands
Make us courageous
Lord make us courageous

This is our resolution
Our answer to the call
We will love our wives and children
And refuse to let them fall

We will reignite the passion
That we buried deep inside
May the watchers become warriors
Let the men of God arise

CHORUS

Seek justice, love mercy, walk humbly with your God
Seek justice, love mercy, walk humbly with your God

In the war of the mind I will make my stand
In the battle of the heart and the battle of the hand
In the war of the mind I will make my stand
In the battle of the heart, in the battle of the hands

CHORUS

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Ligaya V. Bugten · 680 weeks ago

inspirational blog:) Good to be reminded how big is Jesus love for us:)

1 reply · active 680 weeks ago

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Lisa notes 103p · 680 weeks ago

Thanks, Ligaya. We can never hear too often how much Jesus loves us.
My recent post “Courageous”...to touch Him

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Nikki · 680 weeks ago

love the words to this song......courage....thanks Lisa...have a great weekend.

1 reply · active 680 weeks ago

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Lisa notes 103p · 680 weeks ago

I love these words too...I always need admonitions to be braver. Hope you have a great weekend too.
My recent post “Courageous”...to touch Him

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kamrandolph 32p · 680 weeks ago

Oh Thank you Lisa. I was asked a week or two ago what was one characteristic I wanted God to grow in me. I thought about how much I fear and anxiety I have. I said I want to be more courageous.

1 reply · active 680 weeks ago

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Lisa notes 103p · 680 weeks ago

Me, too, Katie. I spent much of last year praying and studying on this very thing, wanting to overcome fear and anxiety more than I have. The Lord did bring me up a bit, but still not as much as I want. So I press on. I pray you will too.
My recent post “Courageous”...to touch Him

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barbarah 65p · 680 weeks ago

I had always thought of her as more desperate than courageous, but you're right, it did take great courage to reach out to Him. So glad He rewards our reaching.
My recent post Quick reviews

1 reply · active 680 weeks ago

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Lisa notes 103p · 680 weeks ago

It's funny that you mention desperation. As I've been studying this woman this week, I've been pondering the connection between desperation and courage. She obviously felt desperate, probably like she had NO other options left.

So sometimes desperation is the very thing that leads us to be courageous. Other times it is other motives. I still need to think about it some more...
My recent post “Courageous”...to touch Him

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Mocha with Linda · 680 weeks ago

Love this song SO much! Love the perspective of how courageous she was! I can just imagine her trying to work up the nerve to reach out!

1 reply · active 680 weeks ago

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Lisa notes 103p · 680 weeks ago

I wish we had more of the backstory, don't you? I guess we can ask her one day in heaven. :-)
My recent post “Courageous”...to touch Him

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Joan · 680 weeks ago

Lisa - I have long been fascinated by the story of the woman who touched His garment. She was bold, courageous, and realized that Jesus was her only hope. She didn't care what society thought, she only knew that she had to touch His garment. ____If only we would be so bold in showing our love for Christ - not caring what society says.____Blessings,__Joan

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floyd · 680 weeks ago

We're all unclean, it is His blood that washed away our sin, made us presentable before the Father. The best part is that He born us with courage. As Paul told Timothy, "You were not born with spirit of timidity, but of courage." (paraphrase)
It is a constant battle to be sure, but if we seek Him we can get beyond the flesh. We need the reminder constantly, me for sure. Thanks Lisa.
My recent post FROM HERE TO THERE

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Sandi · 680 weeks ago

This is a wonderful message, Lisa! May we all be as courageous as she! Thank you for sharing and for visiting me. Have a wonderful weekend.

Blessings,
Sandi
My recent post Spiritual Sundays ~ You Can Have Hope

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Sel · 680 weeks ago

Thanks friend! So true and it breaks my heart for those I know who are not courageous enough to reach for Jesus. You know those I love who are afraid. But He's waiting...!! Like He was for me!

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Joan · 680 weeks ago

I love the song Courageous...as well as the movie! As we trust in God, may our courage and faith grow stronger every day! Blessings, Joan

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Cathy · 680 weeks ago

A great post and song, Dear, thank you. Blessings ~
My recent post J.S.Bach / O Sacred Head, Now Wounded

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pamela · 680 weeks ago

Dare to connect a fingertip...love that thought! In my year of healthy, I find my faith needing a boost. I haven't thought of needing courage but this post and song really spoke to me. I think I'll adopt the song as "my" song for the year.

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char72 44p · 679 weeks ago

Fantastic song/video. Lord make us courageous should be the prayer of all Christians. Thank you for sharing this encouraging post.
Blessings,
Charlotte
My recent post DARE TO ASK

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Ruth · 679 weeks ago

It took courage for the woman to touch and then courage to admit she had done it. Jesus not only healed her but wanted contact with her. She could never question whether it had been just a coincidence, but the Lord confirmed it by identifying her. He knows just what we need. Living courageously is an adventure. I want that, too.

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Pat · 677 weeks ago

Hi Lisa,

I would like to use this image in a brochure I'm creating. Would you have any idea whom I should accredit the copyright to please?

Thanks for your lovely, inspirational blog.

Pat
My recent post Profound Simplicity