An Encounter Driven by Suffering

Posted on by Chris G Thelen

It just didn’t seem right to have to put up with it. Her medical condition affected so much of her life. She spent all she had on doctors, seeking a cure — even just some relief, but none was found. Now after twelve years it seemed hopeless. Except…there was that man she heard about. Some said he was healing people. What did she have to lose.

She approaches him, following the crowd. At first she is hesitant to bother him, but then she gathers the courage to move closer to him. She presses into the crowd, telling herself she only needs to touch him. Her finger touches his robe and immediately she feels something. Could it be? She can feel it in her body. She is immediately healed. Then she hears him speak. “Who touched My garments?”

There is no hiding now, no running away. All those years, all those doctors, all the suffering. Without all of that, she would’ve never arrived at this point, falling at the feet of Jesus. Her body trembles. She is scared as she tells him the whole truth. Would she have pursued Jesus if she had been healed by a doctor years ago? Would she have met Jesus if she had not suffered all these years?

© 2022, Chris G Thelen

A reflection based on Mark 5:25-34

And He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace and be healed of your affliction.” – Mark 5:34 (NASB)

Immediately the girl got up and began to walk, for she was twelve years old. And immediately they were completely astounded. – Mark 5:42

8 thoughts on “An Encounter Driven by Suffering”

  1. I am soooo blessed by this today,CG, more than you know. This chapter has been a mainstay for me through an intense trial, and I have come through to the other side in victory. Reading your post feels like the Father celebrating with me! Thank you so much 🙂

    1. Thank you for sharing that. I praise God with you for bringing you through to the other side. Intense trials can be so draining. May you continue to feel God’s embrace of your life. May He continue to strengthen you with living water. May the Spirit of God encourage you. Blessings.

  2. So true: Would she have met Jesus if she hadn’t suffered?
    That twelve years and twelve years: God doesn’t have coincidences…. In another story, perhaps the girl and the woman meet, and compare their twelve year experiences, and glorify God.

    1. I wonder if they would’ve met 🤔 Did the woman follow Jesus to the girl’s house? There was much to praise God about, especially seeing Jesus face-to-face. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Blessings.

  3. Pingback: An Encounter Driven by Suffering – Tonya LaLonde

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