How to Experience the Power of God in the Midst of Suffering

Several years ago I traveled with my family to see one of the most powerful flowing water sources in the world–Niagara Falls. As we approached the falls, you could hear the roar of the water crashing into the river below.

The rapid-moving water from the falls created a magnificent white cloud of floating mist, a sight of exquisite beauty and greatness. To behold something so amazing reminded me of the sheer power of our great God–a place of holy ground.

The glorious sight of such water cascading with powerful force and beauty reveals a glimpse of the electrifying power that we have within us–a power that has the ability to raise the dead to life, calm a raging storm, and heal broken bodies.

The power of the Holy Spirit.

There are times in our lives where we feel depleted, depressed, and discouraged. In our weakness we feel that all we have left within us is a small drop of strength–but when we reach out and grasp the power of God withing us, the force of Niagara falls is unleashed in our lives!

Experiencing the Power of God

One of my favorite New Testament stories that demonstrates the power of Christ is beautifully captured in the story of the bleeding woman.

Mark 5:21 opens with Jesus being approached by a synagogue ruler named Jairus. His daughter is dying, and he pleads earnestly for Jesus to heal her. On his way to Jairus’ house, Jesus is pressed on every side by the large crowd following him.

Enter the bleeding woman:

“And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years. She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse. 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.’ Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering.” Mark 5:25-29

The passage goes on to describe Jesus’ response to this woman’s bold act of faith. He turns around to the crowd and asks who touched him, since he felt that power had gone out from him (vs. 30).

After the disciples scratched their heads and wondered how Jesus could ask who touched him in the midst of such a great crowd, the healed woman trembled at his feet and told him everything.

Jesus affirmed her faith by responding,

Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering. (Mark 5:34)

Do you need freedom and a surge of strength today? Reach out and touch the hem of Christ’s garment. There is healing in His hem. Power in His path.

When we reach out and touch the hem of his garment, we are clothed with power from on high.

Jesus came to bring freedom to those who are held captive by the clutches of sin, suffering and shame. [bctt tweet=”When we reach out and touch Jesus, we are clothed with power from on high.” username=””]

Many of us have been in bondage to our past. Abuse, rejection, ridicule, and humiliation cuts deep into our souls and wounds us beyond human repair.

Like the bleeding woman, we attempt to soothe our suffering through other means: food, unhealthy relationships, shopping, social media…only to discover that instead of getting better, we get worse. 

Do you need healing from the wounds that have left you seared and scarred? Reach out to Jesus with everything within you. Push through the noisy “crowd” of life’s hindrances and distractions and cling to your Savior.

Hold onto him tightly, and never let go.

Christ alone can bring healing to your body, soul, and spirit. The slow drip of depleted strength will turn into a torrential flow of his healing power in your life. [bctt tweet=”The slow drip of depleted strength will turn into a torrential flow of Christ’s healing power in your life.” username=””]

Resting in God’s Power

Jesus takes our weaknesses and turns them into a powerhouse of supernatural strength. Like the bleeding woman, we come broken and burdened, bleeding from the wounds of our past.

But His grace covers our infirmities.

In our weakness, we are made strong in Him. Like the apostle Paul, we can boast in our weaknesses, that the power of Christ may enter with tremendous power.

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 2 Corinthians 12:9

Hold onto this truth, dear sister, and let the words of your Savior soothe your soul:

Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.

As you continue with your day, remember that you contain the power of God Almighty.

No raging river or waterfall can compete with that. Reach out and touch His garment–and you will be clothed with His mighty power!

How have you experienced Christ’s power in your life? I’d love to hear in the comments below!

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