In the Bible, when the woman with the issue of blood touched the hem of the Savior’s garment, Jesus already knew that she was going to touch Him. He already knew she was in the crowd. After all, He is God in the flesh. Now, while He could have pointed her out, Jesus asked, “Who touched Me?”
God wants us to ignore the crowd around us, look past the chaos, and approach His throne boldly. It could have been an unmentioned miracle, but Jesus would have this unnamed woman speak up publicly, for what she sought after and received from Him. Jesus said to her, “Your faith has made you whole,”. She wasn’t just made well, but WHOLE- completely restored.
So, what are you desperately believing God for? And what are you willing to risk? Whatever you do, be bold in your pursuit of God
Think of the last really good action movie you saw. The car chases, the crazy parkour moves, the fight scenes…
Chances are, the actors you know aren’t actually doing these stunts themselves. Instead, movies rely on body doubles to make these crazy stunts happen safely. A body double is similar in height and appearance- wears the same clothes and even learns to walk the same way as the actor they are imitating.
Likewise, as Christians- we are to be the “body double” of Christ on earth. As we learn of His character in scripture, we learn how to imitate His behavior to a world in desperate need of Christ-like love.
Why am I here?
Why are any of us here?
Since the beginning of humankind, philosophers have debated this question and offered their own answers. One of the best answers I’ve heard is,
“The purpose of life is a life of purpose”.
What does a life of purpose look like? To contribute something positive in this world? Even something that makes a small difference can give meaning to life.
So, maybe you feel like your life on autopilot. Maybe it’s time for something different. Maybe it’s time to find opportunities to pour into others. Volunteer. Give back to your community. In the Bible, Ephesians 2, Paul says,
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works”
What quotes do you often hear that people claim are scripture yet you know otherwise?
One that I can’t stand is, “God helps those who help themselves.” Many are surprised to learn that nowhere in the Bible does that appear. In fact, God doesn’t want you to be a solely independent spirit.
God often sends others into our lives to help- and… us to help them. In the Bible, 2nd Corinthians, chapter 11, Paul had to depend on others to lower him in a basket to escape outside the city wall. And I imagine it must have been tough for Paul to find enough humility to depend on others.
Maybe you have a hard time asking for help. But, God rarely asks us to fly solo.
You can depend on others, and more importantly, you can depend on Him!
