My life is a bit of a mess right now. I’ve been busy looking for light in dark places.
Do you remember a time of darkness?
When I was seven years old Hurricane Hazel ripped through Bucks County. Uprooted trees and power outages made even daylight scary. However, I remember how dark the dark was because my father wasn’t home when the storm hit. He was working night shift.
And worse, my mother and I had to go outside and meet the storm face-to-face, to walk the dark path to the cellar fuse box. As the wind tried to separate us, I clutched the edge of her skirt. I knew she was as close as her hem.
I hold tight now to the One who knows the way, who sees in the dark spaces of life.
One of the stories in scripture that speaks deep to me is of the woman who reached out to touch the hem of Jesus’ garment as He walked through the crowd. For years she sought help from physicians, she couldn’t be healed by anyone. She thought she was unnoticed among the mass of people crowding in on Jesus. In desperation she reached out to touch the robe’s edge. He asked who touched Him when He felt power pour out. The unnoticed one was noticed.
That day countless people brushed against Jesus, but only one truly touched Him.
Our soul gets crowded. We’re sore at heart when marriages bend . . . and break. When sickness comes to stay, and jobs shut, finances fail, and wandering children fall off the edge of belief . . . and we feel alone in the dark. Unnoticed. Unanswered.
How do we get through the dark places when we’re crushed by life?
We can do more than brush against Jesus – the power of God is within our reach. We can open empty hands and receive hope.
He’s as close as His hem.
. . . she fell down before Him, and declared in the presence of the people the reason why she had touched Him, and how she had been immediately healed. He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well, go in peace.” Luke 8: 47,48
Verna
Powerful message, Verna. Love you.
Always grateful for your encouragement, Marlene, my good mentor . . . 🙂
Love this reminder!
Thank you, Lisa . . . i needed to remind . . . me . . . see you at Marlene’s.
Very good message! I used this story at our local city jail Monday night. The ladies there could identify with the woman on many levels. Thanks for sharing…
Early on this has been one of those deep-heart touches, Carol . . . I can very much relate to this lady . . . so glad you got a chance to share her story to encourage the ladies.
I touched the hem of his garment today and received fresh hope for an old trial…or I should say, He touched me when I cried out to Him. What a wonderful Savior. When trials come, so grateful we can hope in God alone…that’s the best place we can be…then and only then, can we continue to give hope to others.
Thanks for sharing dear friend!
. . . and thank you for sharing your day . . . only by reaching out to the One who can make the difference. We’ve learned together, sweet encourager.