Beginning a subject at the end may sound a little peculiar, but that's exactly what we need to do! It's important for us to understand that the redemptive work Jesus performed for us on the earth is a finished work, a completed work. The precious Blood that was shed for us at Calvary took care of and provided for every situation that we will encounter in this life.

By the inspiration of His Holy Spirit through men, the Lord wrote out the covenant benefits for us in His Holy Word so we could know plainly that which belongs to us. You see, faith can only put into action that portion of God's Word which is known and understood by us. Therefore, it is important for us to clearly know what belongs to us so we can take hold of it as a fact, by the arms of faith, and refuse to accept anything short of what God has ordained for us. I call this "bull dog" faith.

Both Matthew chapter 9 and Luke chapter 8 relate a wonderful story of a woman who had been severely sick for 12 years. She had tried everything within her natural means to get well but to no avail. Doctor after doctor, year after year, with her finances almost completely depleted, her condition remained. Then she heard of Jesus and the miracles He had performed and the compassion He had on the sick. She believed that report and knew within herself if she could just come in contact with Him she would be well.

It wasn't long before that hope became a reality as Jesus came to her city and began to draw some very impressive crowds. Knowing her moment had arrived, she pulled herself together mustering all of her strength and through the mass of curious onlookers she went searching for the Master. As her strength diminished, eventually crawling, barely making her way through the thronging press - there He was! But He was moving away from her, and it appeared as if He didn't even notice her.

For some that moment of disappointment would have been enough reason for them to give up, but she was determined and had settled it within herself that she would not be denied. "If only I could just touch His clothing I know I will be healed" she said to herself. Then she did it! With all of the strength she had, she reached out in faith and took hold of the hem of His garment. With that touch Jesus stopped and turned around, for He sensed healing power flowing out.

Jesus questions those around Him, "Who touched me?" The disciples are amazed at the apparent absurdity of this question, because of the thronging crowds that are pressing against Him, and remind Him of the seemingly clear fact that many are "touching" Him. However, Jesus brings clarity to His question by stating that it was a different type of touch, a touch that stopped Him in His tracks and got His full attention. It was the touch of faith that had made a demand on His generous supply of abundant life, and in that moment the woman was healed!

The hem of a garment represents the finishing touch, it marks the completion - it is finished. That's the understanding we need to have now. We need to take that which the Lord has finished for us and put it to work in our own individual lives. We need to believe the report of Grace and reach out with the touch of faith and lay claim to the precious promises that the Lord has purchased for us. When Jesus went to the cross for us, He went spirit, soul and body, and He paid the price for our healing spirit, soul and body. And hanging there on the cross He boldly proclaimed, "It is finished!"

My son, give attention to my words; incline your ear to my sayings. Do not let them depart from your eyes; keep them in the midst of your heart; For they are life to those who find them, and health to all their flesh. Proverbs 4:20-22 (NKJV)