“Having heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his clothing, for she said, “If I just touch his clothes, I’ll be made well.” Instantly her flow of blood ceased, and she sensed in her body that she was healed of her affliction.” —Mark 5:27-28 (CSB)
Last year, I had the opportunity to pray for a young woman who was experiencing pain in her body. I immediately felt tension in my body and even my mind at the thought of praying for such an extraordinary request that seemed impossible. I thought to myself, who am I that God would see fit to work a miracle through me?
While I was praying for the young woman, I was not only fearful but doubtful. I had no faith that anything would happen because I placed the weight of the miracle on myself and not on God. The truth is, I’ve always struggled with believing God would use me as an instrument to perform a miracle.
Miracles are extraordinary events directly attributed to the divine power of God. The miracle's significance does not stem from the miracle itself but from God, the creator. In other words, our faith shouldn’t rest in the miracle or ourselves but in God, from whom the miracle comes.
The Power of Faith: Trusting and Pleasing God Beyond Miracles
Our faith doesn't mean miracles will always occur because of it, as God is sovereign and divinely decides when to move miraculously. Regardless, our faith pleases God and is the ultimate sign we trust and love him regardless of the outcome.
The gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John specifically detail powerful moments of Jesus passing through many towns and large crowds. His miracles were released amongst people according to their faith in him, not the miracles themselves. But in his hometown of Nazareth, he performed very few miracles due to the people’s unbelief. Even now, God is present with us, willing and more than able to move miraculously, but he senses our unbelief.
Faith Precedes Miracles: A Lesson from Mark 5
Faith always precedes the miraculous. We see this beautifully demonstrated in the fifth chapter of Mark. While in Capernaum, Jesus was approached by a synagogue leader named Jairus. He begged Jesus to lay hands on his dying daughter so she could live and get well. Jesus went with Jairus to heal his daughter, but on the way, Jesus’ clothing was touched by a woman who, for twelve years, suffered from bleeding. Despite spending all she had on doctors, her condition only grew worse. So, the woman decided to move in faith. “Having heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his clothing, for she said, “If I just touch his clothes, I’ll be made well.” Instantly her flow of blood ceased, and she sensed in her body that she was healed of her affliction.” Mark 5:27 CSB
Jesus immediately felt power left him, so he asked who touched his clothes. The woman fell down before him and told him what happened. Jesus responded, “Daughter, your faith has saved you. Go in peace and be healed from your affliction.” Mark 5:34 CSB
Her faith not only healed her but saved her. The connection between faith and miracles shows God graciously partners with us to enact the miraculous. Isn’t that amazing? We often don’t see our role in miracles, but God seeks our faith. He is more than able to move and do the unthinkable.
Prayer: Thank you, God, for partnering with me to do the miraculous. Give me a heart that believes in you and loves you more than the miracle itself. If there is any unbelief in me, remove it. Increase my faith in you and help sustain it even if I don’t see the miracle I’ve been praying for. You are still good and more than able. Amen!
Your Turn: Share a time when God moved miraculously in your life. What were you believing in God for? Did you experience any moments of doubt?
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