Daily Delight

I had read the story of the woman with the issue of blood before (Matthew 9:20-22), but this time something stopped me. The passage caught my attention in a way it had not before, pulling me to trace her infirmity to the feet of Jesus. Reaching for His cloak, she cast off every fear, every doubt, every human voice that had warned her against hope. In the depths of her pain, she stretched out in faith to the Son of God - and He met her in her deepest need.

As I read, a voice in my heart whispered, "This is the story that I've prepared for each of my daughters. This is how much they are loved by Me."

We all have wounds of our own. We each face our own version of bloody brokenness, often accompanied by lies that tell us that we're worthless and unsalvageable. These voices of deception exist as chains, barring us from the life of joy in salvation that Jesus died to give us. By hiding our dirtiness out of shame, we succeed only in burying ourselves deeper into hopelessness. Jesus asks us to cast off the disillusionment of fear and reach out to Him in faith.

This seems simple in theory, but it's terrifying to shed light on every shattered piece of ourselves. Personally, I've tried so many times to mend my jagged cracks, desperate for peace, but also for control. Scripture reveals, however, that we cannot have both. 1 Peter 5:6-7 speaks plainly, saying, "Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you" (NIV).

We fully realize God's powerful mercy when we surrender ourselves fully to Him. Jesus stands within reach, waiting for his daughters to stretch out in faith. There, at His feet, He will wash us clean. There, like the woman, we will bleed no more.

About the Author

Sierra Okoniewski

Sierra is a spunky, 22-year-old Michigander who is saved by Jesus Christ every single day. A college student with a culinary degree under her belt, she loves to whip up pies and brunch for hungry friends...sometimes in that order.

Sierra lives in Romeo, Michigan with her parents, three sweet siblings, and their spazzy Australian Shepherd puppy, Pepper. Her calling is to write about the work that The Father is doing in her heart while she grows as His daughter.

You can often find Sierra karaoke-dancing in the kitchen, lavender latte in hand. If she's not there, she's probably out backpacking...but she promises to return shortly, armed with bear hugs and big-mountain stories.