Matthew9:20-22

“20. And, behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment:

21. For she said within herself, If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole.

22. But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour.”

Luke 8:43-44

“43. And a woman having an issue of blood twelve years, which had spent all her living upon physicians, neither could be healed of any, 

44. Came behind him, and touched the border of his garment: and immediately her issue of blood stanched.”

Many of the topics that we have discussed lately are focused around faith and change. Today is no exception.

Looking at the woman with the issue of blood is a perfect study when recognizing the need for change. Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us to trust God and seek his direction in all of our ways. However, most of us are like the woman with the issue of blood. She first did everything within her own power to seek her own deliverance (spent her money on Doctor after Doctor. None could help). When everything was gone, and they had done all they could do (to no avail), she then turned to God. 

At the point of her desperation, her thoughts turned to God. Desperation caused her to acknowledge God and seek his deliverance.

Most of us are the same way. We trust in our own strength, income, knowledge, and other resources to accomplish our goals. If we are successful, we might give God the praise. If we are not, we keep going in this same direction until we hit a brick wall which we cannot scale. At this point, we too, will turn to God for help.

What God wants his people to do is to trust him from the beginning of our situations, not only at the end of our rope. 

Imagine if this woman had turned to God earlier, what pain and anguished she could have spared herself. Not to mention the money she could have saved. Likewise we ourselves, If we trust God at the beginning of our situations. Choosing rather to discuss them with God in fasting and prayer. Imagine how great an outcome we can have? We would save ourselves many failures and heartache. 

We must choose to do things differently to achieve a different result. Change is possible. We must be willing to change the way we approach difficult situations. This may sound challenging if not impossible, but start on smaller decisions. Then work your way up to the big ones. Practice makes perfect. Real change is a practiced behavior. Over time it becomes your standard behavior. 

This is a new year, and I have decided to make it my best year. This is the year I walk into the vision God has given me. I want to encourage you to do the same. Go after, whole heartedly, the things God has placed in your spirit. Accomplish the things he has given you to do. Your triumph is assured, but you must first take that leap of faith. Begin the journey, seeking his guidance all the way.

*** I hope this has blessed you. I encourage you to study the scriptures referenced above and seek God. He has a plan for you – get it accomplished! As always, your comments are welcomed. God bless.