Most of us have read the story about the woman with the issue of blood. She had an illness (possibly hemorrhaging) for 12 years. She spent all she had on doctors and physicians, and still didn’t get better. I’m sure she felt hopeless. But then one day, she heard a commotion and realized Jesus was passing by. As the scripture states in Mark 5:27 “When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment.” And in that very instant she was healed. The interesting thing about this miracle is that this passage also talks about how many people were surrounding Jesus and pushing up against him. But whenever this woman touched his garment, he felt virtue leave his body. Jesus turned and said, “Who touched my clothes (Mark 5:30)?” Jesus’ disciples said to him, “Thou seest the multitude thronging thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me (Mark 5:31)?”
What was so special about this woman compared to everyone else? One thing I realized about this scripture is the intent of the woman compared to the crowd. She was intentional in her pursuit of Jesus. In fact, I think it’s very fair to say that her faith and intentionality is what turned Jesus’ attention to her. When He looked upon her, He told her to go in peace for her faith made her whole (Mark 5:34).
Why is this such a significant story for us as believers in Jesus Christ? If we truly desire to be like Christ, we have to emulate Him. God is intentional, which means, He does everything on purpose and with a purpose. We should be the same. God loves us intentionally. He blesses intentionally. He cares and comforts us intentionally. We should love the Lord the way He loves us – intentionally. Think about it like this: When a man is getting to know a woman, the woman will feel more secure and trusting of the guy she’s dating, if she knows his intentions with her are pure. If the goal is marriage, he will show her through actions. As it is in the natural, so it is in the spirit. God’s love for us is intentional. He shows us each and every day through His actions toward us. As a Christian, the relationship cannot be one-sided though.
We have to show the Lord that we love Him, not just with words, but with faith and action. We have to be intentional with the Lord. How much do you love Him? Do you spend intimate time with him? Do you pray, fast, and remove distractions so that you can clearly hear from Him? If you’re asking the Lord for something, be intentional with Him. Intention is coupled with faith. As you saw from the example of the woman with the issue of blood, she was intentional about reaching Jesus and her faith made her whole. Love the Lord out loud and with purpose. Show Him that you care about developing your relationship with Him.
One other thing: she didn’t care about the distractions around her. She only saw Jesus. She didn’t care about what people thought. She didn’t care about possibly getting trampled by the huge crowd surrounding Jesus. And, most importantly, she was desperate for Him. Let her life be an example for you. Remove all distractions. Forget about what people may think about you in your pursuit of Jesus. Jesus has everything you need. Healing, peace, deliverance, joy, and love will be found in Him if you are in need. If you pursue the Lord with purpose and intention, you are guaranteed to get His attention.
Pray this simple prayer with me:
Lord, I humbly come before your throne of grace knowing that I am in need of you. I thank you for being my Father and my friend. I ask You to forgive me of all my trespasses and ask that You enrich me with Your love, joy, and peace. I am desperate for You. I know that everything I need is found in You. I believe by faith that You know of what I need before I even ask or think it. Surround me with Your love and strengthen me with Your Spirit in my inner man.
Everything you do is intentional, so help me to be more like You. Help me to be intentional in my walk with You. Just like with your servant Moses, allow me to be so close to you that experience your glory. Allow Your presence to overtake me. It’s an honor to be Your servant. This is my short love letter to You, Lord. Thank you again for loving me beyond measure.
I pray this prayer in Jesus’ mighty and matchless Name
Amen!