– Scripture:

As he finished saying this, a local official appeared, bowed politely, and said, “My daughter has just now died. If you come and touch her, she will live.” Jesus got up and went with him, his disciples following along. Just then a woman who had hemorrhaged for twelve years slipped in from behind and lightly touched his robe. She was thinking to herself, “If I can just put a finger on his robe, I’ll get well.” Jesus turned caught her at it. Then he reassured her: “Courage, daughter. You took a risk of faith, and now you’re well.” The woman was well from then on. By now they had arrived at the house of the town official, and pushed their way through the gossips looking for a story and the neighbors bringing in casseroles. Jesus was abrupt: “Clear out! This girl isn’t dead. She’s sleeping.” They told him he didn’t know what he was talking about. But when Jesus had gotten rid of the crowd, he went in, took the girl’s hand, and pulled her to her feet—alive. The news was soon out, and traveled throughout the region.

                           Matthew 9:18–26 MSG

– Reflection:

               Just a Touch

A woman had been ill for twelve years and had spent all her money visiting many doctors, but nothing had helped. She believed her sickness was permanent and that there was nothing else she could do. However, when she heard that Jesus was passing through her town, she decided to change her story. Despite her feelings and everything she had been told, she began telling herself a new story. She said, “When I touch His garments, I’m going to be healed.” With faith rising in her heart, she kept affirming to herself, “Healing is coming.” Pushing through the crowd, she touched His robe and was instantly healed.

Where do we go from here?

It’s common to have thoughts of defeat, thoughts like “I can’t do it” or “it’s never going to work out” play in your mind. You have to say, “No, I’m deleting this story. I will be the exception. I will get well. I will see my family restored. I will break this addiction. I will accomplish my dream.” Give God something to work with. You can’t hold onto an old story and expect to see the new things He wants to do.

Our Prayer for Today

“Father, thank you for giving us the power to delete the thoughts that keep us trapped in an old story of defeat. Thank you that our faith can open the way for you to do amazing things and write a new story. We are reaching out and touching you by faith today, knowing that victory will be ours. In Jesus’ name, we praise. Amen.”