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
* * *
RELATED:
