July 9

Luke 8:40-48 (Click to see scripture)

Bible in One Year Passages:

Journal Entry

Scripture

As Jesus went, the people pressed around him. 43 And there was a woman who had had a discharge of blood for twelve years, and though she had spent all her living on physicians, [1] she could not be healed by anyone. 44 She came up behind him and touched the fringe of his garment, and immediately her discharge of blood ceased. 45 And Jesus said, “Who was it that touched me?” When all denied it, Peter [2] said, “Master, the crowds surround you and are pressing in on you!” 46 But Jesus said, “Someone touched me, for I perceive that power has gone out from me.” 47 And when the woman saw that she was not hidden, she came trembling, and falling down before him declared in the presence of all the people why she had touched him, and how she had been immediately healed. 48 And he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace.” (ESV)

Observation

Even in the midst of seemingly a very chaotic situation with the out-of-control crowd pressing against Him, Jesus was still in complete control and very much aware of the woman who was truly seeking Him with genuine faith and He granted healing for her.

Application

The first lesson is to guard myself against becoming like the frenzied crowd who were not so interested in their lives being transformed by Jesus themselves, but who were being content with just watching other lives being blessed by Jesus' power. Yes, I feel very encouraged when I hear wonderful testimonies from others about how God has powerfully impacted their lives, but I must not be satisfied by just hearing those stories from others, but rather challenge myself to trust and obey Him more so that I can experience more of God's power working in my own life.

The second lesson is to always trust in Jesus fully and completely. As He demonstrated in today's passage, He will never fail to take care of anyone who puts his or her complete trust in Him.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for encouraging me through today's devotional that I need to put my complete trust in You in everything that concerns my life. My desire is to experience the fullness of your power in every aspect of my life. Please take my life and use it for Your glory. In Jesus' name, Amen.

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