July 1

The Touch of Faith

At once Jesus was aware that power had gone out from Him. Turning to the crowd, He asked, “Who touched My garments?” — Mark 5:30 BSB

How did He know that one touch amid all the crowd? The people were all around Him, pressing in. The disciples even thought it was strange for Him to ask such a question. People couldn't help but touch Him. But there was one touch that was different from all the rest. There was a heart’s cry in it, a desperate plea. It wasn’t like the random touches of the crowd, accidental or careless, just from being near. There was a soul in it. And in the middle of all the commotion, He recognized it.

In every church service, people are near to Christ, but not all are blessed. Some are close to Christ, but they leave with their wounds unhealed, their weakness still present, and their heart’s hunger still unsatisfied. Others, sitting just as close, receive great help. The difference is that the first group, though near, doesn’t reach out in faith, while the others touch the hem of Christ’s garment.

Church services can be compared to telegraph wires, where messages are always being sent. You could climb up and put your ear to the wire or hold it in your hand, but you wouldn’t hear a word of the important messages passing through. But if an operator connects with the right equipment, they hear every word. In the same way, during services, we touch the invisible wires that connect heaven and earth. Along these wires, messages go up from earth to heaven—prayers, praises, cries of the heart, and faith-filled desires. From heaven, down come answers of comfort, joy, healing, life, and peace. But many know nothing of this. They’re close, but have no faith connection. Others, through prayer and faith, make that connection.