(Read: Mark 5:24-34)

According to the laws of the day, she didnt even have any business being in the crowd that day. Jewish law defined her as unclean. Years of bleeding had marked her as both, a religious and a social outcast. She didnt wish to call attention to herself, but was willing to do almost anything to get healed. She had heard stories of Jesus power to heal.

"If I can just get close enough to touch His clothes," she thought, "then Ill be healed".

So she maneuvered her way through the crowd until Jesus was only a step ahead. Then she reached out. And the moment she touched his cloak, she knew she was healed. Her bleeding stopped. Yet even with the crowds bumping against Him, Jesus detected something unique, something different, in her touch.

"Who touched my clothes?"

His eyes studied the faces of the people in the crowd. The woman wanted to slip away. It wasnt her intention to bother anybody. But she knew she had been busted. So trembling she stepped forward, telling about her shameful condition. Jesus listened, then spoke those marvelous words,

"Daughter, your faith has healed you."

With those words, He gave her more than she needed . . . more than she wanted. And you know, we have to realize that all God has given us is not all that He wants us to have . . .  Again, all that God has given us is not all that He wants us to have.

Its possible to be just within the reach of the Lord and yet, not receive all he has to give. But its that touch of faith that makes the difference.

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