The Issues Of Life...

“And a certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years, And had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse, When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment. For she said, If I may touch the hem of his clothes, I shall be whole” (Mark 5:25-28).


Though we don’t know her name, Jesus knew this "certain woman," and not only by name, but where she lived, her situation, and that she had been the one to touch Him. He didn’t ask, “Who touched me?” because He didn’t know…she needed to say, “I was the one, Master…it was me.”

The reality of it all is that Lord knows who we are as well, and is waiting for us to acknowledge that we need His tender touch. That is elementary, yet it is often a difficult thing for people to do.

Many times folks are afraid to confront the issue, or live with too much pride to admit a failure or flaw, a need or a desire. They will walk forever diseased or crippled in body or in spirit when the Healer is passing by the door of their heart.

The woman in this Bible story is not unique, for we all have issues. If someone declares that they are issue free, please check their pulse for signs of life. Issues are real and we all have them. It is a fact that issues can be found in every family, on every job, and in every church. Let it be further noted that issues do not discriminate and will turn up in the poor house, the White House, or our house.

How we deal with the various circumstances we face depends on us, and our character and ‘makeup’, so please understand that everyone deals differently. For instance, some folks are transparent to a fault and everyone always knows when they are going through a trial or personal issue of life.

Looking at others, we would not think that they have ever had issues arise because they give the appearance that they have it all together. However, it is not uncommon to wear the mask of “all is well,” especially around the Saints.

Neither extreme is a healthy one. It is vital that we find a place of balance and walk therein. Bearing our burdens with dignity allows that we can be cautious, yet at the same time, not afraid to trust…balance.

Fear is a terrible thing. It will keep us from trusting those who love us and desire to bring aid and comfort, and most importantly, from the One who loves us most…Jesus Christ.

Jesus said that he came that we would not just have life, but abundant life (John 10:10). This is life which is plentiful, overflowing, ample, generous, lavish, full, bountiful. Unfortunately, many do not believe it is possible…at least not for them.

What they are saying is that God shows respect of person. I mean, that must be it, right? What other reason can it be? They reason in their minds that He gave one person deliverance and inner healing, sure, but it’s not possible for them.

That thinking places God in the position of picking and choosing whom to heal…“I’ll deliver them, but not you!!” Consequently, they come to church services, week after week, seated at the banquet table and starving to death.

They are not eating because the table is not adequately spread or because others are taking more than their portion…there is ample food and deliverance for all. No, the problem is not with the Word or its delivering power. People do not eat because of fear or because somewhere along the way they lost the desire to eat.

However, the fact of the matter is this…if it’s not for you, dear heart, it’s not for anyone. If the Word doesn’t apply to your life or situation, it’s just another book, void of any power or might.

We might as well toss it aside and stop fooling ourselves. Strong words, but please understand that it is not that the Lord’s power is diminished if we do not believe and receive…it’s just diminished in our lives. It cannot work because we do not let it.

It is important to understand that if the woman with the issue had succumbed to fear, she would have died in her home. Had she not put feet to her faith, gotten up, made her way to the door and opened it, she never would have known deliverance.

Sounds simple, doesn’t it? Well, it is! We make it seem so difficult in that we feel we must go through this or that process to be healed and delivered, when faith is simply denoted by an action.

It means we must do something…speak with our mouth that we trust God to fulfill his promises, stand to our feet or lift our hand…wiggle a finger, but do something as a sign that we have heard the Word of faith, believe it and receive it.

That certain woman with the issue was driven by desperation. She had reached her point of no return, and once again, there was no backup plan.

Backup plans for many of us are plentiful. If God doesn’t do something by a certain time, we’ll just try this or that, and all the while think we are operating by faith. We will go here, there and everywhere preparing our ‘safety net’ just in case God doesn’t come through.

We will run to this person and the next seeking counsel, when Jesus is asking, “What about me? When will you turn to ME?”

Please hear me, the issues in your life may be great…divorce, death of loved one, financial worries, unsaved family, kids in trouble, abused or the abuser, unfulfilled dreams and visions, fear of the unknown, unwise choices, personal dysfunction…on and on it goes. But, through it all remember that every issue that does not kill will only serve to make you stronger.

Quoting her sister, Betsie, Corrie ten Boom spoke words which ring in my inner beings today…“There is no pit so deep that He is not deeper still.” She could say that after losing family and home in the devastation of World War II.

After being imprisoned and abused, destined to meet the same fate as her father and sister, God made divine arrangements just for her. Through what was later determined to be a clerical ‘error’, Miss ten Boom was released from the deep pit of the concentration camp and certain execution.

It wasn’t error, luck, or coincidence…it was the hand of a loving God making provision and arrangements when there was no way to be found.

You may wonder if He making arrangements for you, and the answer is, absolutely! He is the same God today in your situation as He was in days gone by. However, please understand that just because you can’t see what God is doing is not an indication that you are all alone.

Be encouraged…God is not ignoring you. The Almighty hand of God is at work as I write, giving you favor and rearranging the course of human events…and He's doing it just for you!

The arranging hand of God may not come as drastically as it did with Corrie ten Boom, but it is often in ways that are so miraculous, they boggle the mind and leave a lingering impact.

Sister Eloise Jones relates just such an instance in her life…

“It was about 6 a.m. and I was on my way to work. I left home that morning with a heavy heart and mind because my husband and I had had a terrible argument, and I was in tears. The I-475 highway was still under construction, so I took the Selby Street route. As I was getting ready to turn on Selby, I looked up at the sky and began to talk to God.

There was not much traffic at that hour, so I just sat at the corner, when suddenly I noticed that the sky was changing. The clouds began to shift and move…the rays of sunlight began to filter through like lightning.

It was moving so fast that the beauty of it was breathtaking. I began to drive and look at the sky, and looking to the west over the Buick complex, I saw two of the brightest and biggest rainbows I had ever seen arch the heavens.

This scene followed me to work, but by the time I had arrived and parked my car, all of it had disappeared and a light rain began to fall. As I stepped from my car, the Lord spoke to my heart, and said, ‘I did ALL of that for YOU!!’

My tears stopped, my hurt disappeared, and my heart leaped knowing that we serve a God that can move the heavens to bring sunshine and glorious rainbows of joy into our lives.”

How wonderful that Sister Jones recognized the voice of the Lord and what He did to bring peace to her heart. However, because you may not be unaware of God’s divine arrangements does not mean you are not as spiritual as she...it just means you are unaware.

Don’t beat yourself up because your spiritual radar is off kilter. I urge you this day to simply stop for a moment, look around and see all the good things He is doing and all that He has provided.

Learn to recognize His voice and His hand on your life. Instead of being distressed and depressed when your plans are torn up or when situations come, look to the heavens and begin to thank Him for moving you into His perfect will. Learn to be faithful to give God the credit and the glory for your blessings and for His direction.

In spite of circumstance and issue, you are blessed this day!!