Day 26 — “Daughter”

“‘Daughter,’ said Jesus, ‘your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be free of your affliction.’”

— Mark 5:34 (BSB)

There was a woman who had been sick for twelve years. She had spent all her money going to doctor after doctor, but instead of getting better, she only got worse.

Her sickness was especially hard because of the rules of that time. It made her “unclean,” which meant she wasn’t supposed to be near other people. She was probably lonely, ashamed and forgotten.

Then she heard about Jesus. And she kept saying, “If only I touch His garments, I will be healed.”

So she pushed her way through a huge crowd, came up behind Jesus, reached out and touched the edge of His cloak. And immediately she felt it. She was healed!

But then Jesus stopped. “Who touched My garments?”

The disciples thought it was a silly question. There were people pushing against Him from every side! But Jesus kept looking around. He knew someone had touched Him in faith.

The woman was terrified. She came forward, trembling, fell down at His feet and told Him the whole story.

And look at what Jesus said to her. The very first word: “Daughter.”

This woman, who had been lonely and ashamed and unwanted for twelve years, heard Jesus call her daughter. Not “unclean.” Not “that woman.” Daughter.

Then He said, “Your faith has healed you. Go in peace.”

Jesus didn’t just heal her body. He healed her heart. He brought her out of hiding and into the open. And He gave her a new name, one that said she belonged, she was loved and she was part of the family.

Remember what you learned in Book 1? You are a daughter of the King. When Jesus looks at you, He doesn’t see your mistakes, your shame or the things you wish you could hide. He sees His daughter.

And like this woman, you can come to Him with faith, even when you’re scared, even when you feel unworthy. He always welcomes you.

Think about it: Why do you think Jesus called her “daughter”? How does it feel to know He calls you His daughter too?

Try this: If there’s something you’ve been hiding from God, bring it to Him today, like the woman who came trembling to Jesus. He will call you “daughter.”

Dear Jesus, thank You for calling that brave woman “daughter.” Thank You that You call me Your daughter too. When I feel ashamed or unworthy, help me come to You in faith. Heal my heart and give me Your peace. In Your name, Amen.