Beginning a subject at the end may sound a little peculiar, but that's exactly what we need to do! It's important for us to understand that the redemptive work Jesus performed for us on the earth is a finished work, a completed work. The precious Blood that was shed for us at Calvary took care of and provided for every situation that we will encounter in this life.

By the inspiration of His Holy Spirit through men, the Lord wrote out the covenant benefits for us in His Holy Word so we could know plainly that which belongs to us. You see, faith can only put into action that portion of God's Word which is known and understood by us. Therefore, it is important for us to clearly know what belongs to us so we can take hold of it as a fact, by the arms of faith, and refuse to accept anything short of what God has ordained for us. I call this "bull dog" faith.

In Matthew chapter 9, Mark chapter 5, and Luke chapter 8 there is a wonderful story of a woman who had been severely sick for 12 years. She had tried everything within her natural means to get well but to no avail. Doctor after doctor, year after year, with her finances nearly depleted, her condition remained. Then she began to hear great things about Jesus, the miracles He had performed and the genuine heart-felt compassion He had for those who were sick. She took that news to heart and believed the report, knowing within herself that if she could just come in contact with Him she would be made well.

It wasn't long before that hope became a reality as Jesus traveled to her city and began to draw some very impressive crowds. Knowing her moment had arrived, she pulled herself together mustering all of her strength and through the mass of curious onlookers she went searching for the Master. As her strength diminished, eventually having to crawl, barely making her way through the thronging press - there He was! But He was moving away from her, and it appeared as if He didn't even notice her.

For some, that moment of disappointment would have been reason enough for them to give up, but she was determined and had settled it within herself that she would not be denied. "If only I could just touch His clothing I know I will be healed" she said to herself. Then she did it! With all of the strength she had left, she reached out in faith and took hold of the hem of His garment. With that touch Jesus stopped and turned around, for He sensed healing power flowing out.

Jesus questions those around Him, "Who touched me?" The disciples amazed at the apparent absurdity of this question, because of the thronging crowds that are pressing against Him, remind Him of the seemingly clear fact that many are "touching" Him. However, Jesus brings clarity to His question by stating that it was a different type of touch, a touch that caused Him to stop abrubtly and one that got His full attention. In Luke 8:46, Jesus speaking of this touch says: "Somebody touched Me, for I perceived power going out from Me." It was the touch of faith that had made a demand on His generous supply of abundant life, and in that moment the woman was healed!

I love the response of Jesus in Mark 5:34, as He turns to the woman and says to her, "Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be healed of your affliction." Notice, Jesus said her faith made her well. Her faith, being totally convinced not only of His ability, but of His willingness based upon the reports or testimonies she had heard regarding His great love and compassion for people. She not only believed, but she acted upon that belief, and her faith literally pulled the healing power from the Lord. This is why meditating on, mulling over and pondering over the healing Scriptures is so vitally important. It builds up your faith, so that you become fully convinced, so you can come to the place where you can receive your healing. Romans 10:17 reminds us: "So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." The Word of God will build your faith!

Don't let anybody ever tell you that you don't have enough faith. Romans 12:3 clearly reveals to us a great truth regarding this: "For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith." Did you catch that, it didn't say 'a measure of faith' but THE measure of faith. Our heavenly Father gives to each one, upon salvaiton, the same measure of faith. Then it's up to us, with His help of course, to develop that faith, through His Word and by use. I want to encourage you - you've got what it takes to do this!

Did you notice in the story that the woman touched the hem of His garment? The hem of a garment represents the finishing touch, it marks the completion - it is finished. That's the understanding we need to have now regarding this gift of grace pertaining to healing that's been given to us. We need to take that which the Lord has finished for us on the cross and put it to work in our own individual lives. We need to believe the report of grace and reach out with the touch of faith and lay claim to the precious promises that the Lord has purchased for us. Yes, your healing is already done, bought and paid for with the precious blood of Jesus at Calvary. You see, when Jesus went to the cross for us, He went spirit, soul and body, and He paid the price for our wholeness - spirit, soul and body. And hanging there on the cross He boldly proclaimed, "It is finished!" Believe it, receive it, and act upon it!

My son, give attention to my words; incline your ear to my sayings. Do not let them depart from your eyes; keep them in the midst of your heart; For they are life to those who find them, and health to all their flesh. Proverbs 4:20-22 (NKJV)

Dan Downey
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Dan Downey 2000