THE RESTORATION OF IDENTITY
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. In the presence of all the people, she told why she had touched Him and how she had been instantly healed. Then He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace.”
Luke 8:46-48 (NIV)
Have you ever felt unworthy? Have you felt something stand between you and the Lord? The woman with the issue of blood experienced this. For twelve years, she suffered terribly. In the culture of the day, such a physical ailment would have had terrible consequences for her physical, relational and spiritual life. Cut off from friends and restricted from corporate worship, she would have been exiled and called unclean. She was alone.
In desperation, she placed her last hope in Jesus, touching the hem of His cloak. In that moment, everything changed. Jesus not only healed her physically but restored her identity. He didn’t call her unclean or broken—He called her daughter. She went from outcast to beloved child with one faith-filled touch. Jesus is in the business of restoration. He didn’t come only to offer eternal life but to give life abundantly. For this woman, Jesus didn’t just fix her problem—He restored who she was. She was no longer the unclean woman but a cherished daughter.
This is what Jesus does for us. He enters our brokenness, failures and insecurities and brings restoration. He gives back what’s been stolen, reestablishing what was lost, and resurrects the essence of what it means to be loved by Him. John 10:10 reminds us, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." The enemy loves to seed doubt and insecurities in us, whispering that we are unlovable and unreachable. This is the opposite of what Jesus does. He enters our brokenness, bringing hope and transformation with just one touch.
APPLICATION: Where do you feel unworthy or in need of help? These are the places Jesus loves to meet you. Be honest with Him—share your fears and pain. Invite Him in to restore what’s broken or lost. Like the woman with the issue of blood, find your identity in His word. Ask Jesus how He sees you—His words and response can change everything.
PRAYER: Jesus, I need You and want You. I believe You can restore and rebuild. Come into the places of shame, lost hope, and lies I’ve believed. Teach me to trust what You say about me. Have Your way in me. Amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?