On Being Made Whole

Reach for the Savior

The other day just after closing my “official” morning prayer, my gaze lifted to this picture on my dresser. It’s by the talented Liz Lemon Swindle. In it, we see the woman with the issue of blood. She seeks to have any part of the Savior’s healing power bless her life (see Mark 5). She is on the ground, reaching one arm out as far as it can go, fingers stretched forth, seeking to grasp any part of Jesus’ clothing she can. The look on her face is one of combined hope and desperation. She has not yet been able to touch Him, so His back is still to her. It’s the moment just before she feels his healing power enter her, just before He turns to acknowledge her.

She didn’t want to bother him, sensing perhaps his rush to Jairus’s house. She didn’t want attention drawn to her, and after 12 years of suffering and anguish, may have wondered if this would even work. But she had enough hope to reach, and enough faith to believe this Man of Nazareth had something she needed.

I so easily saw myself in her – forever reaching toward Him, hoping to grasp any part of Him or His clothing that I might be healed.

In the past when I’ve read this story, I’ve frequently heard a rebuke in Jesus’ voice as He turns and questions who touched Him. That day though, as a little ray of sunlight came in through my bedroom window and made the white of her veil and His robes shine a little brighter with more luminescence as before, I realized He wanted to know who approached Him so He could acknowledge her.

Thy Faith Hath Made Thee Whole

He never rebukes or scolds any of us for reaching to Him. He wants us to approach Him. And He likely hopes that we do it openly, expressing our desires and hopes to Him in a straightforward fashion. He wanted to talk to her because He wanted her to know that yes, He was and is the Savior, the Master Healer, the person who could not only restore her to full physical health, but spiritual wellness also. “Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace” (Mark 5:34).

He is not out of reach. Yes, it is good to reach for Him, always stretching toward him in faith and hope, but He is not out of reach. “Be of good comfort. I am your Savior, and you are my daughter. What do you desire?”

And we will be made whole.

 

LauraAuthor
Laura will be the first to tell you she’s not perfect. That’s why she loves the restored gospel, and loves the atonement.
2017-08-16T20:44:13-07:00

About the Author:

Laura will be the first to tell you she’s not perfect. That’s why she loves the restored gospel, and loves the atonement.