Hidden Suffering, Hidden Faith – Love in the Wilderness
A devotion on Mark 5:25-34 on persistent faith
Here is a devotion to start your day!
A spoken version of this devotion is available through the Still, Here audio reflections podcast.
Scripture: Mark 5:25–34
The woman, having heard the things concerning Jesus, came up behind him in the crowd and touched his clothes. For she said, “If I just touch his clothes, I will be made well.” Immediately the flow of her blood was dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of her affliction.
Reflection
For twelve years she has bled. Twelve years of doctors, expenses, disappointment. Under the purity laws of her time, her condition also means social and religious isolation. She is physically weak, financially drained, and relationally cut off. Her suffering has been long and lonely.
But she has heard about Jesus. She slips into the crowd, hoping to go unnoticed. “If I just touch his clothes, I will be made well,” she thinks. It is a risky hope, but she reaches out anyway. Immediately, she feels the flow of blood stop. Jesus feels power go out from Him and refuses to let her healing remain anonymous. He asks, “Who touched my clothes?”
Trembling, she comes forward and tells Him the whole truth. He calls her “daughter.” He affirms her faith. He restores not only her body, but her place in the community.
Hidden suffering often breeds hidden faith—quiet, stubborn belief that refuses to fully die. The season of Lent is a safe place for both to come into the open. Jesus is not content to heal you in secret and leave your story unnamed. He wants you to know you are seen, claimed, and welcomed.
Love in the wilderness calls you “daughter,” “son,” even as you shake.
A Prayer of Presence
Jesus,
You see the long, hidden places of my pain. Draw me out of isolation and meet my trembling reach with Your steady touch. Call me by name and remind me that I belong to You. – Amen
Practice for Today
If you are able, share one small piece of your “hidden suffering” with a trusted person—asking for prayer, support, or simply a listening ear. Let yourself be both vulnerable and cared for.
Consider This...
What pain or struggle have I carried mostly alone, and how do I imagine Jesus responding as I bring it into His presence?
Carry This Prayer With You
Breathe in: Meet my hidden pain…
Breathe out: … with Your loving touch
This work is freely shared. If it nourishes your life with God, you’re welcome to help sustain it.