I love the Bible story of the woman with the issue of blood. This lady was a determined, desperate woman who courageously went against the laws of that time to get healed. Most of the time, when you hear a minister teach about her, it’s a healing message. But I want to look at her situation from a different angle.
Mark 5:25–29
25 And a certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years,
26 And had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse,
27 When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment.
28 For she said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole.
29 And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of that plague.
This woman had an issue! Hers was physical—an illness that wasn’t curable. But we all experience difficulties that cause us to suffer. She dealt with her issue. Her passion to see her ailment removed was so strong that she willingly stepped outside her comfort zone.
So what is your issue? What causes you to suffer? What needs to be removed from your life? Sometimes you don’t realize you have issues, but when you read the Bible, it’s apparent that you do.
Galatians 5:22–23, 26 (NLT)
22 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!
26 Let us not become conceited, or provoke one another, or be jealous of one another.
Are you challenged with patience? Or kindness—when you wake up in the morning with little sleep? Here’s one we like to ignore: self-control! When you’re on a diet, do you resist the temptation of cookies and pie, or do you yield to it? If you are jealous of others, let me tell you—you have an issue!
Everyone experiences challenges. Although you accept Christ as Savior and are born of the Spirit, you still have a carnal nature to conquer. It’s easy to point out the issues of others and ignore yours. But you have to quit rationalizing and be courageous and determined to do something. It’s when you deal with your challenge that you can be whole and follow God’s plan.
- Face the Situation
To deal with a matter, you must face it. Recognize it and be willing to do something about it. It’s like looking in the mirror in the morning.
Mirrors are very honest, especially if you have one that magnifies! It shows everything. If you look at your reflection and don’t change what it reveals, the world will see what is in the mirror.
Yet, people often turn away from their reflection, ignore problems, blame them on somebody else, or pretend they don’t exist. You must acknowledge you have an issue before anything can be done about it.
Although you accept Christ as Savior and are born of the Spirit, you still have a carnal nature to conquer.
- No Cover Ups
Once you recognize the issue, don’t hide it. Don’t pretend to be something you’re not in hopes that it resolves itself. Now is the time to work through it. You may have been acting for such a long time, you believe you have no problems. Don’t be deceived. Examine yourself.
Be who you are—and don’t be ashamed of where you came from! Some people have trouble with the social status they grew up in. My family wasn’t poor, but most of the time, our diet consisted of beans, potatoes, and sometimes bologna. Some people grew up that way and say, “I’ll never eat bologna again!” Why not? I still love it. I know of people who had to wear hand-me-downs and now refuse to buy anything on sale—that’s silly. Be yourself.
- Share and Help Others
Don’t be afraid to talk about your challenges. Doing so can help others. After overcoming your situation, fear can keep you from sharing your experiences. You may anticipate that others will think badly of you.
We’re not here to judge! We are here to help and rescue people. You may have heard how I was afraid to fly. Once I began sharing my experience, people thanked me because it helped them overcome something they feared.
I love what Jesus said to the woman who was caught in the act of adultery: “Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more” (John 8:11 NKJV). God will help you get over all your troubles.
You must take care of things in your own life before you can minister to others. The fullness of the last day revival is on the horizon. I believe that one-on-one ministry will be more
widespread today than what the world has experienced at any other time. But you can’t rescue someone if you’re about to drown yourself!
People commit suicide because they feel as though they have no answers. But Jesus is the answer, and we have the solution! So let’s get rid of our issues. Let’s face them, uncover them, and look to God to help resolve them. Then we can go forth and do what He has planned for us!
Faith IN ACTION
Look to God’s Word
You can overcome any situation that threatens to hold you back through the truth of God’s Word. Below are just a few challenges you may face and a scripture verse to help you overcome. Look intently into the Word of God as though it were a mirror and then act on it (James 1:22–25).
Unforgiveness? Resentment? “Pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you” (Matt. 5:44 NKJV).
Self-Esteem? Self-Worth? “I am fearfully and wonderfully made” (Ps. 139:14).
Worry? Stress? “Cast all of your anxiety on him [God] because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7 NIV).
Visit rhema.org/studycenter for articles and downloads to help you overcome any issue!
Author
Lynette Hagin
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