Breakthrough Faith: When Desperation Meets Jesus
A Personal Beginning
Although I was introduced to Jesus as a young child, like many, I had to grow into a fuller understanding of Him as my Lord and Savior. Life has a way of teaching you things Sunday School never could. Often, it’s not until we find ourselves in a place of brokenness—when the things and people we leaned on can no longer carry us—that we truly reach for Him. Breakthrough faith in Jesus doesn’t usually show up when life is easy. It’s born in those desperate moments when all other options have failed.
The story of the woman with the issue of blood (Mark 5:25–34) is more than a healing account—it’s a reminder of the power, compassion, and attentiveness of Jesus. This is a Savior who stops for the hurting, sees the unseen, and honors real faith, even when it comes from trembling hands.
“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
The Weight of Desperation: What Brings Us to Jesus
Desperation today doesn’t always look like physical illness. It can be a broken relationship, an aching heart, a season of financial stress, or that quiet spiritual weariness that makes it hard to pray. When we’ve tried everything and nothing has worked, hope starts to flicker.
That woman’s story reminds me just how deeply pain can isolate us. According to Leviticus 15:25–27, she was considered unclean for 12 years—cut off from community, worship, and normal life. She had done all she could. She spent everything looking for help. And honestly, I get it. Desperation can push us to try anything and everything. I don’t know if her decision to spend all she had was wise or not, but I understand it.
I’ve been there—leaning on my own strength, doing the fixing, managing the mess, instead of going to the One who can do all things. That account made me reflect: How often have I skipped prayer, thinking I could handle it?
But her faith—that breakthrough faith—showed up when hope felt gone. She didn’t need a dialogue. She didn’t need a ritual. She thought, “If I just touch his garment...” and that was enough.
“When a woman has a discharge of blood for many days... she will be unclean as long as she has the discharge…” —Leviticus 15:25–27
Jesus, the Healer Who Responds to Faith
What blesses me most in this story is Jesus’ response. He could’ve kept walking. But He stopped, turned, and asked, “Who touched me?” Even though He already knew. Why? Because it wasn’t just about healing her body—it was about restoring her completely.
He called her “Daughter.” He made sure the crowd heard it. He wanted her to know, You’re not just healed. You’re seen. You belong. You have peace.
The part that touched me deeply was how Jesus responded to what she didn’t even say out loud. Her faith was silent, but He heard it. This wasn’t the only time Jesus responded to faith like this. Think about the Canaanite woman who wouldn’t relent. Or the centurion who said, “Just speak the word.” He honors faith—spoken or not.
Sometimes He heals with a word, sometimes with a touch. But it always starts with faith. That stirs my soul.
“Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.” —Mark 5:34
“Jesus turned and saw her. ‘Take heart, daughter,’ he said, ‘your faith has healed you.’” —Matthew 9:22
Breakthrough Faith: Defined by Trust in Jesus
Breakthrough faith in Jesus isn’t about how long you’ve been saved, how mature you are in Christ, or how well you quote scripture. It’s about trust. Real, raw trust.
Hope starts to rise when we recognize who He is. And faith moves when we decide to trust Him with what we can’t fix. Even if all we have is enough strength to whisper a prayer or reach for the hem of His garment—it’s still enough when Jesus is the One we’re reaching for.
As I’ve shared before, I’ve struggled with this—trying to handle everything myself. Sometimes I don’t even pray right away because I think, “Let me just take care of this.” But where is the hope in that? When I rely on myself, hope drains fast. Faith and hope go hand in hand. Hope says, He can. Faith says, I trust Him to.
“Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” —James 2:17
“Without faith it is impossible to please God… He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.” —Hebrews 11:6
For the Weary and the Waiting: Hope Still Lives in Jesus
I want to speak to those who are still waiting. You’ve prayed. You’ve cried. You’ve hoped. And yet, the change hasn’t come. Let me encourage you—Jesus sees that kind of faith, too.
This story isn’t just about a woman’s healing. It’s about a Savior who stops for one hurting soul. And if He did it then, He still does it now. One thing that stood out to me as I studied this account is where it falls in the Gospels. In Matthew, this story is placed right after Jesus responds to the Pharisees, saying, “It’s not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.” Then in the middle of Jairus’ urgent plea for his dying daughter, Jesus pauses for this woman.
Why? Because Jesus is not just the Healer of bodies—He is the Restorer of hearts. He is full of grace, mercy, and compassion. Your hope isn’t wasted when it’s placed in Him.
“Suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” —Romans 5:3–4
“Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.” —Isaiah 40:31
The Breakthrough Begins with Jesus
This has been a powerful blog to write—because it reminded me that my breakthrough doesn't depend on how mature I am in Christ. Whether you’re a new believer or a seasoned saint, the invitation is the same: Come to Jesus.
Jesus still honors faith. He still stops for the one. And He’s still the Healer—not just of the body, but of the brokenhearted, the spiritually weary, and the desperate.
Your breakthrough may not look like hers, but it will still come through Him. So reach—reach for the hem if that’s all you’ve got.
Because breakthrough faith in Jesus isn’t about your strength. It’s about His faithfulness.
“If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.” —Matthew 21:22
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” —Psalm 147:3
💬 Let’s Talk About Breakthrough Faith
Have you ever had a moment where you reached out to Jesus in desperation and saw Him move in your life—big or small?
Or maybe you’re still waiting on that breakthrough. Either way, I’d love to hear your story. Share in the comments—your faith might encourage someone else today.
