Jesus was teaching a group of enthusiastic followers when Jairus, a ruler of the synagogue, interrupted Him and in desperation begged, “My little daughter lies at the point of death. Come and lay Your hands on her, that she may be healed and she will live” (Mark 5:23). As Jesus went to heal to girl, the “multitude followed Him and thronged Him” (vs. 24).
Then, “a certain woman” who “had a flow of blood for twelve years” “came behind [Jesus] in the ground and touched His garment.” Mark goes on to say that she “immediately” “she “was healed of her affliction.”
Jesus then asked the question, “Who touched my clothes?” His disciples were surprised by His statement, because many people were touching Him.
So what was different about her touch? I’d like to suggest that her intentionality made the difference.
Success depends on intentionality (being intentional).
Most significant accomplishments don’t happen without intentionality. Whether the goal is to lose 50 pounds in the next six months, pay off my house in five years, or finish college without debt, we have be to be conscious about what we want to achieve, and take decided action on achieving it.
Being intentional means seeing specific results (clear goals) in the future and taking purposeful action to achieve them. By having clarity about what’s important, you become selective about where you want to invest your time, focus and energy.
When it comes to our personal contact with Jesus, we have to be intentional. We need to find a way to connect with Him in a meaningful way daily. I don’t know about you, but often I feel like my contact with Him, whether it be in church or in family worship, or personal devotions, is more like the multitude that thronged Him than the woman that touched Him.
In order to experience the spiritual power that is available to all of Jesus’ followers, we need to consistently connect with the source of this power. This happens through prayer and Bible study. Consistency in this area of our lives, like in any other, requires routine and planning.