There’s a story in the Gospel writings in Luke 8:43-48 about a woman who had an issue of blood. She was bleeding profusely for twelve long years with this disease and spent all her money going to see different doctors, but she never improved. She was suffering. In fact, the Bible says, her condition got worse until she encountered Jesus. Interesting?
I can relate to this woman seeing many doctors. I have multiple sclerosis. Diagnosed in 2010, and it’s been one trip after another to see doctors. There are bi-yearly wellness visits, MRIs, physical therapy, medication management, infusions, and sometimes hospital stays for steroids when I have an MS relapse. Unlike this woman during her time, I’m not ostracized by the community because of my health condition. In fact, I once said jokingly to one of the hospital’s welcoming team members, “You guys need to get me a cot and a room to stay over as much as I’m here.” She laughed. Having a medical issue that there is no cure and doctors can’t fix is difficult and daunting.
But medical issues are not the only issues from which we suffer. There are various types and degrees of issues. I like how this verse begins, “There was a woman who had an issue of blood.” The text is specific to her gender and problem. We’ve learned how Jesus came to save the world, so we can draw a universal principle here. Let’s read it again, placing ourselves in the text. “There was a woman [or man] who had an issue of… Stop right there. The Bible teaches us in Isaiah how the Spirit of the Lord was upon Jesus to save, heal, deliver, or set people free, not only from sin but from other problems or issues they may have. Jesus still does this because He is alive. He is still handling people’s issues who believe and come to (or touch) Him in faith. This is the gist or theological principle in this story. He said in Matthew 11:28, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Isn’t this what this woman, and Jesus, did?
You too may have been suffering from an issue for a long time. You’ve tried to solve it yourself or sought help to alleviate the pain, as the woman did. But you found no relief; your issue lingers. What may your issue be? Maybe you’re suffering from a bad attitude, insecurity, lying, racial or biased views, hatred, drinking, mental illness, cancer, rejection or foolish attempts to fit in, be “cool” with peers, a need to please, overworking, autism, bipolar, body image issues, striving for perfection/success, anxiety, inability to communicate, illiteracy, infatuation with committing criminal acts, drug dealing or dependency, pride, an awful mouth, continually hooking up with wrong romantic partners, intimacy issues, introversion… and on and on and on the list could go.
Jesus commended this woman, who was afraid to be noticed in the crowd because of her issue. He calls her “daughter” and tells her it was her faith that healed her. She could now go on with her life in peace. You too can receive God’s commendation. Believe that Jesus came to heal your broken heart too. Know that He’s alive and wants you to come to Him. To touch Him and be made whole. No issue is so bad, or too complex or complicated for Him. He has the remedy! Only believe!
He has surely helped and continues to help me with mine. 🙂
Be blessed until next time…!
Inspiration by Ellie 
Interesting perspective on the story of the woman with the issue of blood. I’ve never thought about it before, but you’re right. So many of us struggle with chronic issues that we long to be healed from. I have a lot of them, but one of the worst is migraines. I have been working with a naturopathic doctor and physical therapist this year to address a lot of my health issues. The migraines are better, but not gone completely. I’ve prayed for healing so many times. Maybe all I need to do is reach out and touch the hem of His garment. Thank you for sharing!
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Thanks for responding hlmiller. I too have issues–other than health. I wonder if we truly believe the Lord is able since He’s no longer walking among us, or do we think of Him as still dead. Idk.
Some issues I brought to the Lord, He did not heal me immediately but progressively he alleviated my pain. I’ve talked with many whom God did instantly heal–my sister being one of them.
The important thing is not to lose faith if we’ve asked but He hasn’t responded yet. He simply said “come.” So, we can keep coming until He moves on our behalf. 🙂
Prayers for your migraines. 🙏🏿
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Oh Ellie, I’m sorry to hear about this health issue. I hope Jesus is always there with you and helps you through every battle. I know the weight is lighter when I ask Him for help.
Concerning the subject you touched upon, it is a miraculous wonder. We all have the power to heal and overcome life’s ups and downs with God’s help, there’s nothing He can’t do.
Thanks for the motivational post and have a great, blessed weekend ahead! 🤗🙏
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A wonderful take on “issues” Ellie. MS is a tough one. I have family with MS. Some issues may sound “trite” but you are right…there are so many and some of us are issue collectors for some reason. Trusting Jesus is the greatest issue of all if we don’t have it.
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This is good Sis. I’m almost done with my BSN/RN. I have two more classes left and can I honestly tell you that some of things that I’ve seen in my clinical rotation, I’m thinking if they can just believe and touch the hem of his garment, they can be med whole! When I tell you that a lot of this diseases processes are just that, processes! Often times the answer and the solution is in their faith. If they can simply believe Jesus will make them whole! It saddens me to see how much money these hospitals make off the non-believer. I remember one time when I had to go to the supply room and pull pads, bandaids, and things like that and I was just going to take them to the patient. But nooooo. Hold on did you scan that? That has to be billed to the patient. I’ve been sick in my mind and my body before and I’ve made that connection with Jesus, and I lie not, he’s healed my totally. Now don’t get me wrong, the Bible tells us to call on physician if we must, but “if we must” he also tells us to call upon him and he’ll answer. I think as a people we just don’t want to surrender all. This post was good to me this morning, because I know that I need to get back connected. School and work has taken control over my life for the past two years, but how many know that it’s because of Jesus that I’m able to go to school and work so how come I can’t give him some of my week? It’s not a question really, but what I’m saying is Jesus has a way of getting our attention. If we’re called he’s going to get your attention. And I thank Jesus for that. I’ll end because I can go on and on about his goodness! He’s wonder in my soul! Be Encouraged Sis!
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Hello San, thank you for joining in the conversation on this post! I appreciate it.
Congratulations on almost completing your BSN/RN studies. We need more good nurses! You can do it!!! 🙂
It would be great if many who are sick knew that Jesus is still a healer and can touch their bodies. I agree with you, sometimes he heals us through medical science, and we need the doctors who can perform the surgeries or get us the medicine that will help us. All in all, either way we are helped or healed, it all stems from God’s wisdom he gives doctors or His divine touch!! Happy to hear that He touched you one day. That’s awesome!!! 🙂
Also, happy to read you want to connect more with the Lord! Sometimes, we do get consumed with our path and pursuing our goals. I write about this happening in my life in my upcoming book. I hope you’ll get a copy! Don’t worry about your disconnect but be encouraged that the Lord got your attention by bringing to your mind that you need to be closer to Him. That’s His love for you; He always reaches out to us. So, go ahead and do it. You can! 🙂 “A journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.”
Again, thank you for tuning in and your inspiring commentary. You uplifted me. Be blessed, and if you want to go on and on, here’s my email, eparks03@verizon.net. Feel free; I will respond.
All the best… 🙂
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Awww you’re so kind. Thanks for the words of encouragement. And yes I do support black authors because that’s the direction I’m going. He’s been so good to me that I can’t tell it all or when I try it’s not cohesive.
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Cool!
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Good post. Jesus is the remedy for our every issue, our hope and strength.
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