“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” – Hebrews 11:1
During this Advent season, we celebrate faith. Advent is a time of anticipation, longing, and waiting. What better time to reflect on faith, the “confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see” (Hebrews 11:1)?
Faith does not depend on our ability or worthiness. Instead, it is the object of our faith, rather than the amount we possess, that gives us confidence as we wait during Advent. By faith, we can place ourselves in Christ, the only One worthy of carrying the weight of our expectations.
Consider the story of a woman in the New Testament (Mark 5:25-34; Matthew 9:20-22) who had been suffering from a bleeding condition for twelve years. She had spent all her resources trying to find help, yet instead of improving, her situation had worsened. On top of her physical affliction, she likely faced ostracism and shame in her cultural context.
Upon hearing about Jesus, she made her way through the crowd to reach Him. She believed that if she could just “touch His garments, I will get well” (Mark 5:28; Matthew 9:21). Her bold action of touching the fringe of His cloak (Matthew 9:20) was recognized as faith. Jesus noticed her, called her “Daughter,” and said, “Your faith has made you well” (Mark 5:34; Matthew 9:22).
In the Old Testament, God commanded His people to attach tassels to the hems of their clothing as a reminder to be set apart and to acknowledge Him as the Lord (Numbers 15:37-41). There is a very real sense that in reaching for the fringe of Jesus’ garment, she could have been remembering and clinging to the one true God. Some even suggest that the reference in Malachi 4:2 to the “Sun of Righteousness” rising with “healing in His wings” adds depth to this story; as the word for “wings” is the same as the word for “corners” in Numbers 15:38.
When we feel isolated, have tried everything to improve our situation without success, or are left vulnerable and in pain, there is One who stops to see us. He calls us His children. We can reach for Him by faith, trusting that He will offer us comfort and healing.
One day, all of God’s children will no longer need faith; we will see Him fully, be completely healed, and experience no more pain or sorrow (Revelation 21:1-4). But until that time comes, we can hold onto our faith as we wait, trusting in the work that Jesus has accomplished and will continue to perform.
