When life presses in, we can reach out for love again

The crowd is thick--joyful, busy, full of life.

But she is alone, afraid, wondering if she should even be there. For years no one has touched her. The elbows jostling, arms bumping, and shoulders brushing feel welcome and uncomfortable.

Then she sees the one she has been waiting for during twelve long years of suffering. Perhaps she had been in the crowd many times. But today she slips through the people, tentatively at first, and then using her elbows, voice, and hands until she stands within a foot or so of him. Fear grips her, taunting thoughts run through her mind, but she has come too far to turn away now.

One trembling hand reaches out and touches the edge of His cloak. In an instant she feels the pain stop and then a sudden, inexplicable surge of joy. She knows she has found healing, hope, life--everything that has been missing for so long.

He turns and asks, "Who touched me?"

She hadn't expected this. Her plan had been to remain unnoticed. But Jesus asks, and trembling, she finally answers.

He looks at her with eyes of love, eyes that seem to really know, and says, "Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace" (Luke 8:48). 

One of our pastors, Matt Newman, shared a great message from that story last night. As I listened I had this thought: So often I settle for staying in the crowd. It's not that Jesus is far away. I feel like I can see him and often even hear him. But life is busy. I'm having fun with my friends. I'm right in the middle of the action. In so many ways, I'm distracted.

Eventually I get tired, worn out, and frustrated with life. I long for something more. Last night I realized that's because I'm not taking those final steps to intentionally come close to Christ--close enough to touch him, receive his grace, and find what my heart needs each day.

So I just did something crazy. I signed up for the 5:16 club. It's a group of women who are committed to spending time with God each morning. You can read more about how it started here. You can choose whatever time you'd like but I picked 5:16.

As I'm typing this a part of me is already asking myself, "What were you thinking?" I'm not a morning person, as many of you know. The infamous story is that I once put chocolate on the alarm clock to bribe myself to get out of bed. I ate it and back to bed. Like I said, not a morning person.

But in spite of that, I know the answer to the question above. I was thinking that it's time to get out of the crowd and get close again. It's time to focus less on doing and more on being. It's time to reach out again and touch the one who has touched me.

In so many ways, for so many reasons, it's time to get up.

 

Would any of you like to join the 5:16 club with me? If so, leave a comment here and then sign up at the 5:16 site. If you do, I'll commit to praying for you each morning. And I would love for you to do the same for me--I'm definitely going to need it! Let's share this with other women too. I believe we can do this together by the grace of God and the power of very strong coffee!

Comments

[Brandee Dudzic]

I am not really into joining things Holley, but I will certainly pray for you.
I have never commented before, just a "lurker." (why does that sound so creepy?"

Anyways, really like your blog, and always feel uplifted after reading. Thank you.

Sincerely,
B

[Cathy Davis]

Ok...I'm in. I pray for God's movement in the wee hours of the morning. It'll definitely be a God thing!

I'll gladly pray for you Holley! Thank you for the post on this and the beautiful story of the woman who touched Christ's robe.

As I grow in knowledge, I love hearing "more of the story" of something not too long ago I wouldn't have given much more thought to other than "oh she touched His robe." The Bible is amazing. God is amazing!

See you in the AM...

[Mandy Baker]

I'm in!

[Andrea]

Last summer I purposed to get up every morning before my kids to spend some quiet time with Jesus. And I haven't looked back! I love my morning coffee with Him (I almost died laughing at your chocolate bribe!! I set my coffee maker every morning to get me out of bed - but at least it's out in the kitchen so I HAVE to get up!).

Because it was summer holidays, I was able to gradually make my mornings earlier - I'm now usually up at 6:30 or so (except Saturdays) each morning. I'm sure over the summer it will be a touch later, but I so enjoy my uninterrupted time - I can't get it any other time of day! So I just know you are going to be greatly blessed in your endeavor!

[Jennifer]

I would love to be part of this. I will also commit to praying for you each morning. Thank you for sharing this great idea with us!

[Mary Lynn]

I have been trying to get up at 5 and settle in with coffee, Bible, journal before the kids and hubby get up. Also not a morning person and it is so easy to rationalize another hour of sleep. But knowing someone else is actually up and participating in worship will be encouraging.

[Cindy Shirah]

Hi Holley! I have one question... how ever in the world did you go to sleep knowing that chocolate was on the alarm clock!!!???

[Cathy Davis]

I did NOT want to wake up when the alarm went off this morning! NOOOO!! I will confess that I didn't wake up right at 5 - closer to 5:09 (snooze much?), but I did get up and I had a purpose. I thanked the Lord for the nudge and the reminder of my promise to Him.

Imagine my surprise when my 16 yo daughter ambled out of her bedroom (not long after I had been up) to go for a jog...Even the dog looked puzzled.

After her jog, she came in and sat out on the back deck and had some quiet time. I didn't want to intrude on her time, but I do want to ask what was going on.

How ironic we were both up for some time with the Lord! (I think that's what she was doing on the deck.)

I'm tired today at work, but I'm feeling filled up and satisfied!

How was your morning, Holley?