The Word God Spells

Matthew 9: 18-26
Gen 28:10-22 / Ps 91

She said to herself, ‘If only I can touch his cloak, I will be healed.’
(Matthew 9:21)

I only touched Your cloak, my Lord,
And from my sins You’ve set me free;
My health and vigor You’ve restored,
Now I shall serve You faithfully.

While Jesus was teaching, a ruler came and knelt before Him and said, “My daughter has just died. But come and put your hand on her, and she will live.” Jesus rose and went with him with his disciples. On their way, a woman who had been suffering hemorrhages for twelve years came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak. She said to herself, “If I can only touch his cloak, I will be healed.” Jesus turned and saw her. “Take heart, daughter,” He said, “your faith has healed you.” And the woman was healed from that moment. When Jesus entered the ruler’s house and saw the flute players and the noisy crowd, He said, “Go away. The girl is not dead but asleep.” But they laughed at him. After the crowd had been put outside, he went in and took the girl by the hand, and she got up. News of this spread through all that region. (Matthew 9:18-26)

Reflection

A person of weaker character would have despaired. But to a person of faith, there is no such thing as a hopeless situation. The ruler whose daughter had died, and the woman who had been stricken with hemorrhage for twelve years shared the same unyielding faith in Jesus’ healing power, and they were not disappointed.

Such a woman of strength I found in Beth, a mother of five and once submissive wife of a businessman whose thriving business had floundered. With a daughter in college, two in highschool, and another daughter and youngest son in gradeschool (all in exclusive schools in Manila), and their house mortgaged with a bank, her husband had suffered a mild heart attack due to his heavy smoking and inability to cope with stress. But Beth believed in the power of prayer, and asked God’s help that their children’s education would not have to be sacrificed when they resorted to belt-tightening.

Her two sisters provided the answer to Beth’s prayer. They found a good business opportunity in the clubhouse of the subdivision where they were living, and when they won the bidding, asked Beth to be a managing partner. With no experience in catering management, but only a good housewife’s kitchen sense and discipline, Beth buckled down to work. With so many mouths to feed (her husband’s two sisters were also staying with them), Beth did not have to worry about leftovers. Not long after, one of her sisters gave up her share in the business to Beth, and the other also decided to sell out when other opportunities beckoned for her time. Beth soon discovered that she possessed the keen mind of an entrepreneur with a thriving cafeteria business. She decided to apply for the canteen services of a big private college. Her decision to stick it out with her bright daughters’ education has paid off, as they are now well on the way to pursuing their individual successful careers.

Looking back, Beth realized that it was actually her trials that had led her to find her niche as an astute businesswoman. She thanks God that in her weakened state, He had given her the strength of faith. She believed that God would not test her beyond her strength, but would provide a way out of them (1Cor.10:13). In fact, her trials produced the perseverance and enterprising spirit that led to her success (Jam.1:3).

In times of trials and difficulties, embolden us to rise above our failures, Lord God, and reach out to You in prayer and supplication, holding fast to Your mercy. Amen.