Introduction

Good morning, family! Today, we delve deep into the heart of a story that echoes many of our own experiences. It's a tale of patience amidst delay, calm in the face of uncertainty, and faith when prayers seem to go unanswered. As we navigate the storms of life, we often find ourselves waiting for the Lord's response.

In these times, we are reminded of Elisabeth Elliot's words, "Don’t dig up in doubt what you planted in faith." She reminds us to hold steadfast in our faith, even when things seem uncertain.

Let's turn our Bibles to Mark 5:25-34:

"And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years. She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse. When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, because she thought, 'If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed.' Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering.

At once Jesus realized that power had gone out from him. He turned around in the crowd and asked, 'Who touched my clothes?'

'You see the people crowding against you,' his disciples answered, 'and yet you can ask, 'Who touched me?''

But Jesus kept looking around to see who had done it. Then the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell at his feet and, trembling with fear, told him the whole truth. He said to her, 'Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.'"

Patience in the Midst of Delay

The concept of patience in the midst of delay is a virtue that is often tested in our lives, especially when we are faced with circumstances that seem to defy our understanding or expectations. The story of the woman with the issue of blood provides a vivid illustration of this principle. This woman had been suffering for twelve long years, a period during which she had sought help from various doctors, spent all she had, and yet her condition only worsened. This was a delay that could easily have led to despair, but instead, it became a testament to her extraordinary patience.

Patience: As we understand it in the context of our faith, it’s not merely about waiting. It is about maintaining a steadfast faith and trust in God, even when His answers to our prayers seem to be delayed. It is about understanding that God's timing is perfect, even when it does not align with our own. The woman in the story exemplifies this kind of patience. Despite the delay in her healing, she never lost faith. She continued to believe in the possibility of her healing, and when she heard about Jesus, she saw an opportunity and seized it.

Not passive: The woman did not simply sit back and wait for her healing to come. She took action. She pushed through the crowd and reached out to touch Jesus' cloak. This was a bold act, one that required courage and determination. It shows us that while we are called to be patient, we are also called to be proactive. We are called to seek God, to reach out to Him, and to take hold of the opportunities He presents to us.

Requires humility: The woman, despite her suffering, did not demand attention or healing from Jesus. Instead, she approached Him quietly, humbly, and with great faith. When Jesus asked who had touched Him, she came forward and told Him the whole truth. This humility is a key aspect of patience. It is about recognizing our dependence on God, acknowledging His sovereignty, and submitting to His will, even when His plans and timing do not match our own.

Rewarded: The woman's patience and faith were rewarded with healing and peace. Jesus told her, "Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering." This is a powerful reminder that our patience, our faith, and our trust in God are not in vain. Even when we face delays, even when we do not understand His plans, we can rest assured that God is working for our good and that He will reward our patience in His perfect time.

Resisting Panic in the Face of Uncertainty

Resisting panic in the face of uncertainty is a recurring theme in the Bible and a lesson that is profoundly relevant to our lives today ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO