Why Am I Here Anyway?
What is the purpose of the bleeding woman being “made well” anyway? And what does this story mean for us?
I wonder what that meant for her life in the future? I’m sure it changed everything about everything. But how did her family react? Did they welcome her healing with joy? Or was there upheaval because of unhealthy family relational dynamics threatened by her newfound healing and peace?
Indeed, we do not hear the dialogue of the bleeding woman in the gospel accounts, but the text gives us insight into her emotional state. It was not a pretty picture. Prolonged chronic suffering punctuated with failure at every turn. Trying everything she knew to do, going to every professional she knew to engage but getting worse.
Jesus’s power healed her physically instantly, yet He wasn’t done with the healing.
Jesus told the bleeding woman to take courage after her physical healing, not before. Mark 5:34 Matthew 9:22 He didn’t let her return to the shadow of the crowd holding her shame and slip away undetected – physically healed but emotionally, spiritually, and relationally suffering. No, Jesus engaged her, and she responded with awe and truth.
And Jesus, always the teacher, engaged her in the crowd for the crowd’s benefit. So the public could witness the healing process – fear and trembling, submission and truth combined with Jesus’ resurrection power.
It’s the process God uses today.
Fear (in reverence and understanding of God and His power) and trembling, bowing down in submission, and the whole truth.
These responses are a Holy-Spirit-led reaction to the healing mercy and grace of our Lord.
This daughter designation or status change upended everything she knew and should overturn everything we know about family and relationships going forward. Jesus never humiliates but elevates our status when we respond to His invitation and invites us into a new family.
This question of what “made well” means isn’t just rhetorical but one every believer is wrestling with if the living God indwells them. And it’s what I’ve been struggling to answer since He saved me physically. But especially since I attended a workshop back in March designed to draw out my God-given purpose and wrap words – actual written words to own – around why I was created physically.
Satan is hell-bent on sabotaging this journey for believers. But, I have just to say, I’ve never met with such distraction and resistance since being given this assignment.
I’ve gotten the worst case of writer’s block while questioning what I’m doing. My menopausal body acts up most inopportunely, leaving me undone in a puddle of sweat. And it seems like the pace of my life has skipped a couple of stair treads and is running double time like I’m young enough to do that anymore, lol. I know, “but those who trust in the Lord will renew their strength…” And He does. Isaiah 40:31
I think I’ve been triple-teamed by the triple threat to any believer trying to live a godly life – our flesh, the world, and the devil. So, I’m throwing up my hands in surrender while recognizing this struggle is part of the process God is taking me through to help refine me.
Why are we “made well”? The short answer. To be part of God’s family and not get sucked back into the shadow of shame or approval of the crowd. To be a contributing, healthy, growing family member in God’s family who comforts others in the ways God has comforted us. 2 Corinthians 1:4
Mandy
Thank you for going first in being vulnerable and sharing what you’re battling right now I am praying for you in these! I have a note on my phone where I put deeply precious things people have taught me through their life! A couple from you are not letting shame have a place, sharing your own story and being vulnerable, truly listening to others with empathy and honoring others! All Christ like qualities!
I loved your ending sentence!
Why are we “made well”? The short answer. To be part of God’s family and not get sucked back into the shadow of shame or approval of the crowd.
💛 God made me well in the area of not being scared of death, anxiety, not feeling unworthy of His grace and love and not believing the doubts of the enemy and world.
To be a contributing, healthy, growing family member in God’s family who comforts others in the ways God has comforted us. 2 Corinthians 1:4
💛 I am learning how through His spiritual family example, I can translate this into my physical family! I definitely have some family dynamics that need reshaped!
Kelli
Dear Mandy, thanks so much for being in my corner. I will hear this encouragement in my ear and treasure it in my heart. God has certainly gifted you in this way to His glory. Thank you!