Yesterday in church, our worship leader sang “One Touch” from Nicole C. Mullen. Being connected with music as a DJ and as a follower of Christian music for many years, of course I have heard this song before. There was something about this song yesterday. I could literally see and feel the touch of Jesus.

The song is based in the story of the woman who had the issue or flow of blood for many years. She had exhausted all of her money on doctors but saw no results. She did everything in her own power to correct the situation but to no avail. She was still where she started. But then something happened. Her desperation turned to determination as she said to herself, “If I could just touch the hem of His garment I will be made whole.” I’m not here to bring a theological discussion on The Steps To Getting What You Need From God. Many people have made a living from writing books on getting things from God.

If I would shorten everything down to just one phrase, it would be, DO WHATEVER IS NECESSARY TO GET TO JESUS! Friend, the Balm of Gilead is not about finding the right method, it’s about finding the Truth. Steven James says one of my favorite quotes: Truth has a bellybutton. Jesus said “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.”

The woman reaching out to Jesus discovered something. She realized that she had no power but Jesus did. The Gentle Healer even confirmed this. When the woman actually touched him, He looked around and asked, “Who touched me?” Seemingly a silly question when you are surrounded by a bunch of people. Remember, Jesus didn’t have Secret Service protection. Multitudes of people were pressed into Him, each wanting something. Jesus actually felt the virtue, the accessible, tangible power of God, flow out of Him.

I have heard many sermons explain why Jesus recognize this woman above everyone else’s touch. Some say it was her desperation. Others say it was her faith. I believe it was more than both of those. I have been to Bulgaria to work with the gypsies. One thing I have learned when praying for them is that they have no plan B. They aren’t expecting the government to bail them out. They don’t have Blue Cross. They can’t call up their rich uncle and ask for the money. Either God moves or they die. Simple as that. If God doesn’t do it, it isn’t going to get done. Like the woman, they simply have no other choice and they are at the point where it doesn’t matter how they look or what is said of them, they are going to get to Jesus.

Several years ago I had surgery to remove a kidney stone. It was one of the worst ordeals in my life. With many complications after the surgery and almost 2 weeks since putting my hands in the doctors care, I wasn’t feeling any better. As a matter of fact, I was feeling worse. I talked to my doctor and he plainly told me that he didn’t know what else to do. I lost weight, looked very sick, didn’t want to eat, couldn’t sleep and felt like I would never get better. I couldn’t even lay down in bed. I had everyone praying for me but I grew worse. Then something happened. As I was praying and telling God that all hope was gone and the doctor said he was out of options and if He didn’t do something, then I was going to get worse, I heard the voice of God speak. He told me that there was a rest for those in the Lord. For the first time in nearly 2 weeks, I laid down in bed and fell asleep for over 2 hours. I hadn’t even laid down in a bed before this. When I woke up, I was transformed. My brother even said that my face was glowing.  From that moment on, I felt fine.  A little weak, but still very good.

Dear reader, I didn’t do anything special. I just made my way to Jesus. Through my pain and despair, I made my way through to Him. The result was a miracle. Whatever it is you’re facing today, whether it be a physical need or and emotional hurt or a spiritual quickening, the only place to find your healing is within the Son of God. Other places can offer quick fixes and spiritual patches but only Christ can completely save, deliver, and heal. Press your way through the madness of your life and find the Truth with a bellybutton.

But for you who fear My name, the sun of righteousness will arise with healing in its wings; and you will go forth and skip about like calves from the stall.
Malachi 4:2