Faith Beyond Reason

Is there something in your life that you feel is beyond hope? You can't begin to imagine that anything could ever change it, fix it, or heal it? Is there something going on that makes it so difficult to even make it through the day?

There was a woman who was in just such a situation. She had a terrible problem for 12 years. She used every bit of her money, went to several different doctors, and instead of getting better, she grew worse.

It seemed hopeless...no one could stop her bleeding.

If anyone had a valid reason to lose hope, I think this woman would have every right to...and yet she was able to have faith beyond reason.

The woman heard about Jesus & knew in her heart that if she could only touch His cloak, she would be healed.

So, instead of standing silently in the crowd, making up excuses, feeling sorry for herself because she had suffered so much, wondering, "Why me? What did I ever do to deserve this?" This woman followed the promptings of the Holy Spirit, then she took a step of faith.

She squeezed and pushed her way through the crowd. Slowly, inch by crowd suffocating inch, until she was barely close enough to reach out her hand and touch the cloak of Jesus. Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she had been freed from her suffering.

Jesus told her, "Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering." (read Mark 5:25-34)

If you have something going on recently in your life or for many years and have lost hope, pray that you can have the kind of faith that this woman had.

Pray today for this type of , "FAITH BEYOND REASON."

Where's Your Joy?

By: Lisa Petrarca

Walking into class I noticed an older Asian lady standing near the back of the room. Her clothes were mix matched, black biker shorts, flowered green shirt over a red tank top and high yellow socks. It was a stark contrast to the stylish, younger crowd of dancers in the class.

As the class began the lady, tried to keep up with the complicated steps. Half way through however, she seemed to be dancing to her own music. Her arms flailed in the air, she jumped, kicked her feet up and then out to the side. I looked at her time and time again throughout the hour long class, each time smiling and actually giggling. I wasn't laughing at her. The lady radiated pure joy. She was beaming, cheeks flushed as she let out a laugh and then yelled, "Yaaay...ya...this is fun!" Others in the class were now smiling. She was infectious. Her happiness radiated and lifted the entire room.

What was it about her?

She was just one person. But...she decided to be happy no matter what. She knew that she couldn't keep up, yet she was still able to continue to find joy in what she was doing and shared her exuberance with everyone around her.

Be sure to look at the good things in your life, no matter what else is going on around you. Focus on the the blessings you've received from the Lord and change not only your circumstances, but others around you.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.
Galatians 5:22-23

This week I would like to challenge each of you to wake up in the morning and think of five blessings in your life. Start your day off looking for the good, instead of going over your endless "To Do List" the minute your feet hit the floor. I think you'll be amazed at how your day will be transformed and the difference your attitude will have on others around you.