letsloveothers

Where there is pride. Skepticism— unbelief is lurking in the shadows. Molding pride’s self-reliant persona. Encouraging it to

• not trust anyone or anything.
• depend upon knowledge.
• believe there are no absolutes— eternal truths.

Something the Proverbs 31 woman refuses to do! Knowing the Lord’s wisdom empowers one to live a life of excellence. She opens her mouth in skillful and godly wisdom. The teaching of kindness is on her tongue, giving counsel and instruction. Proverbs 31:26

How powerful is unbelief? It can prevent God’s glory being revealed here on earth. As it did when Jesus returned to Nazareth His hometown, and His disciples followed Him.

When the Sabbath came. He began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard Him were astonished.

“Where did this man get these things?” they said.

“What is this wisdom given to Him, and how are these miracles performed by His hands? Isn’t this the carpenter, the son of Mary and the brother of James, Joses, Judas and Simon? Aren’t His sisters here with us?”

They were offended by Him. So He was not able to do any miracles there. Except that He laid His hands on a few sick people and healed them. He was amazed at their unbelief. Mark 6:1-3 and 5-6

Read that last sentence again. Jesus was amazed at the power of unbelief! If unbelief can prevent the Son of God from performing miracles, how can there be any hope for us believers?

You must believe with all your heart Christ’s promise. He who believes in Me. The works that I do he will do also, and greater works than these he will do. John 14:12

What works could be greater than those performed by Jesus?

What if it is not the works themselves, but the conditions under which they are performed?

Conditions that are utterly hopeless.

Situations when only the Holy Spirit and you are in agreement.

Darkness so intimidating, demons laugh when you speak. Confident nothing will occur.

Could a believer’s faith be so great it commands God’s mighty power to flow?

An unequivocal yes!

How can I be so certain? I believe the woman with the issue of blood is a forerunner of this type of faith.

When Jesus came back to Galilee. A man named Jairus, a synagogue leader, arrived and quickly bowed down in front of Jesus. He begged Jesus to come to his home. His only daughter, who was about twelve years old, was dying. As Jesus went, the people were crowding around him.

A woman who had been suffering from chronic bleeding for twelve years was in the crowd. No one could cure her.

She came up behind Jesus, touched the edge of his clothes, and her bleeding stopped at once.

Jesus asked, “Who touched me?”

After everyone denied touching him. Peter said, “Teacher, the people are crowding you and pressing against you.”

Jesus said, “Someone touched me. I know power has gone out of me.”

The woman saw that she couldn’t hide. Trembling, she quickly bowed in front of him. There, in front of all the people, she told why she touched him, and how she was cured at once.

Jesus told her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace!” Luke 8:41-48

From the age of twelve Jesus knew His destiny was to be about His Father’s business— God’s business. So when you read He was on His way to Jarius’ house. You know God had instructed Him to go there.

Never allowing anyone or anything to prevent Him from obeying a command of God. On this day Jesus was delayed because a woman’s faith took precedence over a command from God.

Although it is not written, the woman was Jewish. Her unwillingness to reveal herself and the reason she sought Jesus suggests she was.

Under Levitical Law whenever a woman has a bloody discharge for a long time. The duration of her unclean discharge will be like the period of her menstruation. She will be unclean. Leviticus 15:25

For a Jew uncleanness and sin were synonymous. The ramifications for this woman were enormous! Physical contact with others was forbidden. She could not enter the temple and take part in the required rituals. Thus severing her relationship with the Lord.

Can you imagine twelve years of

• shame?
• hopelessness?
• discouragement?
• isolation?
• self-loathing?

Many of you can. But do not despair!

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding. Think about Him in all your ways, and He will guide you on the right paths. Proverbs 3:5-6

Be a VOICE in the deafening sound of sameness!