Kingdom Principle: Jesus encounters a woman with an incurable condition. In spite of all of her attempts to be healed by physicians, her condition has only gotten worse. But a simple touch of Jesus’ garment, grants her the cure she longed for. She is completely healed by the power of Jesus. This causes us to ask another question, if Jesus is so powerful to save, why do we often suffer for so long? Because our suffering is often the means, by which God ministers his grace to us. The ______________________ of the _____________________Luke 8:43 (ESV) — 43 And there was a woman who had had a discharge of blood for twelve years, and though she had spent all her living on physicians, she could not be healed by anyone. Mark 5:25–26 (ESV) — 25 And there was a woman who had had a discharge of blood for twelve years, 26 and who had suffered much under many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was no better but rather grew worse. One thing that is beyond a shadow of a doubt is that the physical and spiritual toll that this took on her is obviously overwhelming. And it makes her desperate. The _________________________ of the ________________________Luke 8:44 (ESV) — 44 She came up behind him and touched the fringe of his garment, and immediately her discharge of blood ceased. If Jesus’ is able to heal so easily, why the delay. If the woman’s issue is one that can be remedied so quickly, by a simply touch of Jesus’ garment, why make her wait so long to be healed.2 Corinthians 12:8–9 (ESV) — 8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. 9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2Corinthians 1:3-11 (pg 906)We are afflicted so that we might feel the comfort of Christ in the midst of our affliction. And we feel the comfort of Christ in our affliction, so that we might comfort others who also suffer, with the same comfort we receive.Galatians 6:1–2 (ESV) — 1 Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. 2 Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. James 5:16 (ESV) — 16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. The greater our suffering on this earth, the greater impact our deliverance will have. Romans 8:18–25 (ESV) 18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. 19 For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. 23 And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. Question to Consider In what ways is Christ calling you to suffer? How does this prepare you to comfort others who also suffer?Why is it so hard for us to imagine God’s purpose in suffering? Why would we prefer to just be free of our suffering?
