“As Jesus was on his way, the crowds almost crushed him.  And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years, but no one could heal her.  She came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak, and immediately her bleeding stopped.” (Luke 8:42-44)

     A woman approached Jesus, working her way through the crowds, knowing that if she just “touched the edge of his cloak” she would be healed.  She knew that he was not only powerful enough to help, but willing.  She likely felt like an outcast from society, having been ceremonially unclean because of her condition, but her faith helped her to believe that Jesus would not reject her. 

     Even when we feel that we are inadequate in the eyes of God and his people, we must look at the unconditional love God has for us.  Despite our current and/or past shortcomings, our Lord receives us with open arms.  Jesus heals our Spirit, making us whole.  “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for giving us a new life because of your tender grace, mercy, and forgiveness.  What a great feeling it is to know that we can put the past behind us and move on to experience the love you have for us every day.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.