Hanging on by a Thread

I saw a quote that said, “Sometimes you may feel like you are hanging on by a thread, but at least it is attached to the hem of HIS robe.” Matthew 9:20-22 reads “Just then a women who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years came up behind Him and touched the edge of His cloak. She said to herself, “If I 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 at that moment.”

How amazing is that? This woman had suffered for 12 years with this bleeding disorder and in an instant Jesus healed and freed her from it. She had the faith that if she just simply touched the edge of Jesus’ robe she would be healed. You may feel like you are hanging on by a thread sometimes, whether it is with work, school, sicknesses, people, pain, or whatever it may be, BUT if you keep on hanging onto that thread you will make it through, because it is attached to the hem of our Savior’s robe.

God had changed her situation that had been a problem for many years, a problem that seemed unchangeable. Sometimes we are tempted to give up on people or situations that have not changed for years, months, weeks, or however long, BUT GOD can change what seems unchangeable, giving new purpose and hope. In our moments of desperation and struggle, we may feel as though we have suffered to long for it to get better. BUT GOD knows each one of us. We do not have to worry about the “correct” way to reach out to God, we just need to reach.

After this woman courageously reached out to touch Jesus’ cloak, she received healing. Like this woman, we must first reach out in faith, and Jesus will respond. Your situation may not be changed in an instant, but you must remember that God is working in your life and His plan for you is just right.  Philippians 2:13 says “for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill His good purpose.”

Turning to Matthew 14:34-36 and we read “When they had crossed over, they landed at Gennesaret. And when the men of that place recognized Jesus, they sent word to all the surrounding country. People brought all their sick to Him and begged Him to let the sick just touch the edge of His cloak, and all who touched it were healed.” Grab on to His garment and do not let go for you never know when the time will come for you to be restored. There are more references that speak about people touching Jesus’ garment and being healed and having faith that healed. Those can be found in Mark 3:10 and 10:52, Luke 7:50, 17:19, and 18:42, and Matthew 15:28, I encourage you to look at those.

Now what do I mean when I say to hold onto that thread of His garment? I mean to keep holding onto that faith, that hope, read your Bible, pray, TALK TO JESUS! And as you continue to do that remember that the thread you are holding onto (if you are holding on tightly) is strong. God will help you through those hardships, problems, pains, hurts, sicknesses and trials, we just need to hold onto God and His many promises to us, two of them that I would like to leave you with. Isaiah 43:2 says “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned: the flames will not set you ablaze.” And Isaiah 41:10 reads “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”