"Who touched me?" Jesus asked. When they all denied it, Peter said, "Master, the people are crowding and pressing against you." But Jesus said, "Someone touched me; I know that power has gone out from me." Then the woman, seeing that she could not go unnoticed, came trembling and fell at his feet." -- Luke 8:45-47a

The woman in this story is one who has been bleeding for 12 years.  She's tried everything and has gone to every specialist, every healer, and has tried every over-the-counter herbal remedy she could find.  No one could heal her.  But she knew Jesus could, so knowing that he's about to pass through the crowd, she positions herself in a way that she will be able to get to him.  Her heart beats wildly as she sees him approach.  Finally, as he's passing she moves into the crowd and gets to where she's within reach of him.  She doesn't want to trouble him, so she just reaches out to touch his cloak.  When she does, she's instantly healed!  She's filled with joy and can't wait to go tell her loved ones.  They won't believe it... and then dread and fear fill her... Jesus has stopped.  He turns and demands to know who touched him.  Now she's really scared.  This one with such power does not seem pleased, and if she can be healed by touching his cloak, what damage could he do to her if he wanted?  But that's not who Jesus is.  Terrified, she fesses up, and a wave of grace overwhelms her as he says, "Daughter, your faith has healed you.  Go in peace."

It was not just that Jesus had the power to heal that made this woman well, but that she had the faith required to know the healing power of Jesus.  He doesn't say, "go, I've healed you now," but instead, "go,  your faith has made you well."  She was not passive.  She actively exercised her faith, and became new.

What are you passively waiting for God to do for you?  How do you need to be exercising your faith?

Readings:  Deuteronomy 13:1-15:23; Luke 8:40-9:6; Psalm 71:1-24; Proverbs 12:5-7