“A large crowd followed and pressed around Him. And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years. She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse.”
“When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind Him in the crowd and touched the hem of His garment, because she thought, ‘If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed.’ Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering.” – Mark 5:24-29
This is one of my favourite stories in the Bible. Despite the large crowds, the woman with the issue of blood went the distance. With incredible faith, she simply wanted to touch the hem of Jesus’ garment. She used up the little energy she had, she was willing to probably be mocked and scorned by the crowd and she was willing to get down on her hands and knees because she knew He was worth it. Jesus was the real deal, He wasn’t going to disappoint her.
More than 2000 years later, many miles away from Israel, this story is still relevant. This past month in Swaziland, I have seen this same incredible faith and determination in so many people. Small children walk over 5 miles to care points (community-run feeding and discipleship centres) to have their physical and spiritual needs met. Gogos (grandmothers) are willing to walk that same distance and more to worship the Lord in the village church.
All of this, simply to touch the hem of Jesus’ garment. To have an encounter with His Presence.
In so many ways, Swaziland has been one big reality check. A reality check that I have so much more to be thankful for than to complain about. A reality check that I am the exception not the rule to how most Swazis live. A reality check that my faith is a lot more complacent than courageous.
Despite the fact that all the possible odds are stacked against them, still they persevere. Still they work to provide for their families. Still they apply themselves in school with dreams of university and a good job.
Visiting my home country on the Race allowed me to see with fresh eyes the incredible fortitude of Swazi people. I am so struck by their unshakable determination. For me so many of the amazing people we have met here reflect the same willingness as the woman with the issue of blood. The are willing to do anything to get to the feet of the Father. They don’t care about the crowd or difficulties that stand in their way. Because they know that God has exactly what they need, they know that He is big enough and faithful to provide.
What am I willing to do to get to the feet of Jesus? What am I willing to sacrifice? My time, my money, my reputation? How desperate am I to have an encounter with the Creator of the universe? How essential is the Presence of God in my life, am I depending on Him to show up? Swaziland has reminded me that to enter the Presence, I don’t have to climb some religious ladder – I simply have to be willing to get down on my knees.
Take a look at this incredible video my squad mate Amber made about our incredible time in Swaziland – https://vimeo.com/164306197
