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She thought to herself, “If I can just touch his robe, I will be healed.” Mark 5:28

THE HEMORRHAGING WOMAN was apparently past her fears. For years, she had bled uncontrollably, and no doctors had been able to help. Her condition made her ritually unclean for Temple worship and offerings and likely resulted in some degree of social marginalization. Technically, she shouldn’t have been touching other people, but she pressed through the crowds to get to Jesus, certain that if she could just touch the hem of his garment—likely the tassels of his prayer shawl, popularly called wings—she would be healed. This really must be the Sun of Righteousness with healing in his wings (Malachi 4:2), she must have thought. This was her chance to receive a touch from God.

She did receive a touch from God, and Jesus felt it. He could sense the power going out from him (Mark 5:30). He immediately wanted to know who had touched him, and the woman’s fear returned. She pleaded for mercy and received it. Jesus blessed her and told her that her faith had made her well.

The story of the hemorrhaging woman is fascinating for many reasons, including the interplay between this woman’s fearless faith and then fearful confrontation with Jesus. She thought her faith would be kept secret—that she would be healed without anyone noticing and then go on her way with a new life. But Jesus had something else in mind. Her story became an eternal testimony of his kindness, as well as an intriguing example of how his power works. Yes, faith had made her well, but so had the tassels she had touched and the power that flowed out from the Son of God. Her bold but secret faith turned into a spectacle that still encourages us today.

If you’ve ever wanted to have secret dealings with God in the realm of faith, you may need to prepare for alternate plans. He may be discreet with you, but he may turn his provision for your need into a testimony for others to see and hear. Our faith not only receives his works; it amplifies them for a wider audience. Faith begets faith as others see the invitation implied in it and respond. And many more receive the power of God.

Fear looks; faith jumps!