If you grew up in Sunday School, as I did, you probably know the story of Elijah defeating the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18). Elijah stood in victory after God sent the consuming fire burning up the offering as well as “the wood and the stones and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench” (verse 38). God miraculously answered Elijah’s prayer causing the people to fall on their faces and proclaim, “The LORD, He is God; the LORD, He is God” (verse 39). Baal and his prophets were defeated! What a high-flying experience for Elijah!

Another great tension from the New Testament of Scripture is the woman who had a hemorrhage for twelve years. Somehow, she heard about Jesus and was convinced that all she needed to do was touch His garment to be made well.

“And immediately the flow of her blood was dried up…” 

Mark 5:29

When Jesus asks who touched His garment, the woman “told Him the whole truth” (verse 33).

“And He said to her, ‘Daughter, your faith has made you well go in peace, and be healed of your affliction.’”   

verse 34

Certainly, there is so much to take away from both these encounters as I begin this month-long fast leading up to Resurrection Sunday, but for now, let me share two things.

So often I find myself in Elijah’s shoes. God answers and works through His providential hand or even performs a miracle that sends me to my knees confessing my undying love and I am all set to climb the highest mountain with Him. However, to get the fuller picture, we need to read just one chapter further, where we see Elijah afraid and running for his life (1 Kings 19). The truth? That represents me, too. It could even be the same day after a great victory that something causes my little world to rock violently, and I coward in fear and trepidation. One minute I can be all in and the next I’m backpaddling!

And what about the woman who reached out and touched Jesus, she told Him the WHOLE truth! He knows it anyway, right?! But He wants us to say it, maybe we need to confess something we have been trying to hide just like she had tried hiding her hemorrhage for twelve long years. She was so ready to unload all that she had been carrying. She found healing and not just physical but also spiritual.

I am reaching out to touch Him. I am praying to share the whole truth. I am trusting by faith to follow Him and to be drawn closer to His Heart!

“Closer to His Heart” is my motto for this Resurrection Fast!

“I pray that from His glorious, unlimited resources He will empower you with inner strength through His Spirit.”

Ephesians 3:16, NLT