From Hidden Pain
to Healing Power

When you draw close to Jesus in faith, you won’t find rejection. You’ll find spiritual restoration.

THIS WEEK’S BOLD STEP DEVOTION

“When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, because she thought, ‘If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed.’”
(Mark 5:27–28)

I remember being in a noisy, crowded marketplace in Quito, Ecuador, surrounded by people brushing past me from every direction. In a crowd like that, it’s easy to stay unnoticed, even invisible. But as I began talking with a few people, I was surprised to discover that behind their smiling faces were stories of deep pain, shame, abandonment, and wounds carried quietly for years. It reminded me how often people live at a distance, not because they don’t need healing but because they are afraid of what will happen if someone gets too close.

Most people don’t want others to zoom in on their lives, because the closer you get, the more visible their flaws become. But Jesus is different. He’s not intimidated by your brokenness, your past, or your hidden pain. In fact, the closer you get to Him, the more your life begins to change.

In our Scripture passage today in the Gospel of Mark, the woman who had been bleeding for twelve years understood this. She carried not only physical suffering but also social rejection; being labeled “unclean” left her isolated and unable to speak openly about her condition. Her private pain could have driven her away from God in frustration and bitterness, but instead it drove her toward Him. And that decision changed everything.

Somewhere along the way, she had heard about Jesus, and that is where her faith began. But she didn’t stop at simply hearing. She began to think differently—“If I just touch his clothes. . . .” Believing there was power in the person of Jesus, she pushed through the crowd and reached out in faith. There is a difference between being near Jesus and truly reaching for Him. And when she touched Him, power was released. In that moment, she was not only healed physically but restored spiritually. Jesus stopped and restored her dignity, even calling her “daughter.”

Friend, when you draw close to Jesus in faith, you won’t find rejection. You will find restoration, relationship, and life exactly where you need it most. Are you ready to step out in faith today?

Bold Step Challenge:
What is the private pain you’ve been hiding or keeping at a distance from God? Will you take one intentional step this week to draw closer to Him through prayer and surrender, reaching out to Jesus with expectation instead of simply passing Him by?

Prayer:
Lord, you see the places in my life I have tried to hide. Give me the courage to bring my pain to You instead of running from You. Help me to hear Your voice, trust Your heart, and reach out in faith. Thank You that You do not reject me. You call me Your own.
Amen.

Listen to the sermon: No More Excuses

Part 1Part 2

Ministry Update from Mark

Twenty-four years ago, our family lost Donald “Don” Marquez, and Chicago lost a police officer who served with courage and a deep love for his city.

Don gave over 20 years to the Chicago Police Department with strength, honor, and unwavering commitment. But to us, he was more than a badge. He was family—a devoted father, a source of laughter, and a fierce protector of those he loved.

On March 18, 2002, he made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. The loss has never left us, but neither have the memories, the lessons, and the love he gave so freely.

Don, you would be so proud of your children—and absolutely delighted by your grandchildren.