Hold on to the Hem of His Garment

By Melissa McLaughlin

My arms trembled as I gripped the rope. Sweat trickled down my face. My toes dug into the earth, groping for a foothold.

I peeked down. My stomach clenched as I viewed a vertical plummet straight down the mountain. The only option was looking up and pressing on toward the top.

We had decided to tackle the “difficult” hiking trail at one of our favorite camping spots that day. We didn’t realize the label “difficult trail” actually meant “requiring above-human-level strength.” At least in my estimation.

The trail started on an arduous incline and became more strenuous with each step. After trekking the tough terrain to just below the pinnacle, we gazed upward and gasped in disbelief.

The last 10-15 yards appeared impossible. Reaching the peak involved scaling the straight-up elevation using ropes anchored into the mountain.

There was no going back now.

“Help us, Lord!” I whispered. One by one, we clung to the heavy ropes while someone pushed from below. We heaved, pulled, puffed, crawled, and clambered the final few feet until we reached the summit.

Breathless. Shaking. Wobbly-legged. We exhaled deeply, wondering at this harsh hike we just put ourselves through.

Though we recall with smiles and marvel at this adventure now, we never hiked that trail again.

When I think back to this desperate moment on the mountainside, it reminds me of a desperate woman from the Bible.

She Held on to the Hem of His Garment

The woman with the issue of blood.

Recorded in Matthew 9:20-22 and other gospel accounts, this unnamed woman extended herself in total abandon toward Jesus. Based on the laws at that time, the woman’s health issue deemed her unclean and isolated her from the community.

Despite having spent all her money on doctors, after twelve years of bleeding, her condition worsened. Her immense physical suffering and emotional anguish left her with no options.

Imagine scaling mountains of disappointment and shame at not being healed.

Mercifully, everything changed when she heard about Jesus.

With flickering faith, she stomped down her emotional despair and propelled her body forward through the crowds. Crowds that would shun her if they knew.

Remarkably, after more than a decade of suffering, she believed Jesus could heal her.

At the end her rope, she fiercely reached for the only hope she had left. The Messiah. The Savior. The Redeemer. She arose to meet the colossal challenge.

And behold, a woman who had suffered from a discharge of blood for twelve years came up behind him and touched the fringe of his garment, for she said to herself, “If I only touch his garment, I will be made well.” Jesus turned, and seeing her he said, “Take heart, daughter; your faith has made you well.” And instantly the woman was made well (Matthew 9:20-22 ESV).

Just a fringe. Just one strand. Just one touch.

Just one insignificant woman’s faith. Holding on to the hem of His garment.

Are you going through a painful season? Unanswered prayer, job loss, broken relationships, chronic illness, or something else?

Jesus is still our lifeline. His Word nourishes, heals, and encourages. His Spirit comforts and gives us peace.

When everything else has fallen, reach for Jesus. Hold on to the hem of His garment.

With nail-scarred hands, He brought soul-healing for all who believe. He sees you. He calls you a son and a daughter. He will carry you home.

Do you have a story of Jesus as your lifeline? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Psalm 121:1-2 NIV – I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.

Malachi 4:2 ESV – But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings. You shall go out leaping like calves from the stall.