“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.” Mark 5:25-28
We live in a world where sickness and disease can devastate the human body, sapping our strength, extinguishing our hope, and robbing us of joy. Illness often resembles a relentless swarm of locusts, a destructive force that feasts upon our physical well-being and consumes our precious time, financial resources, and inner peace. It halts 
progress, shatters dreams, and leaves many feeling alone and disheartened. Countless individuals spend years grappling with chronic conditions, enduring constant pain, frequenting hospitals, relying on medications, and battling the wearying effects of sleepless nights. This arduous struggle often feels like an uphill battle against an unseen enemy that steals health and the essence of life itself. 
Ill health permeates the narratives of the Bible, revealing the struggles and depths of human suffering. Take, for instance, the story of the Woman with the Issue of Blood (Mark 5:25-34). For twelve long years, she battled a relentless affliction that drained not only her physical strength but also her financial resources. In her desperate quest for healing, she poured everything she had into the hands of various physicians, yet she found no relief, only disappointment. Then we encounter Jairus, a desperate father whose heart was heavy with anguish as he sought help for his beloved daughter, who lay gravely ill, teetering on the edge of life (Mark 5:22-24, 35-42). The overwhelming hope mingled with despair is palpable in his plea for assistance.
Moreover, we cannot overlook the story of Naaman, a mighty warrior who is celebrated for his courage yet cursed by leprosy (2 Kings 5:1-14). Despite his illustrious achievements and bravery on the battlefield, he was confronted with a condition that rendered him an outcast, highlighting the stark contrast between external victories and internal battles. These compelling examples collectively demonstrate how illness can steal away precious years, leaving behind not just physical suffering but a profound sense of brokenness and despair. 
However, the Word of God assures us that our Heavenly Father is a restorer of wasted years, including those lost to ill health. In Jeremiah 33:6, God declares, “Behold, I will bring it health and healing; I will heal them and reveal to them the abundance of peace and truth.” This is the promise we shall meditate upon today as we explore God’s 
readiness to restore our health, regardless of how many years have been lost to affliction. But it is crucial to understand that while God is willing, He often waits for us to reach out to Him in faith, just as we see in the stories of the Woman with the Issue of Blood, Jairus, and Naaman. 
Our God is the Great Physician, who can restore health no matter how long the ailment has lasted. There is no illness beyond His power, no situation too far gone for His touch. The story of the Woman with the Issue of Blood teaches us that even after twelve long years of suffering, one touch of faith was enough to restore her health. She believed that if she could touch the hem of Jesus’ garment, she would be made whole — and her faith did not 
disappoint her. Similarly, Jairus approached Jesus with a heart full of faith and desperation for his dying daughter. Despite delays and obstacles, Jesus went to his home and restored the little girl to life. 
The message here is clear: God is willing and ready to restore us, but we must take that step of faith to reach out to Him. Naaman’s story further illustrates this truth. He was initially reluctant to follow the prophet Elisha’s instructions, but when he finally obeyed, he was healed of his leprosy. Sometimes, God’s path to our restoration may not align with our expectations, yet His way is perfect. 
There is a common thread in these biblical stories: God responded when they approached Him in faith. The woman with the issue of blood, Jairus, and Naaman, all had to reach out, take a step, or follow a divine instruction before their miracles occurred. James 5:13-15 reminds us, “Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the 
church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well.” God’s power is always present and available, but He often waits for us to come to Him with our needs. This is not because He is unwilling but because He honours our free will and wants us to seek Him in faith. 
Beloved, are you suffering from an illness today? Have you or your loved ones lost years to health challenges? Do not despair, for our God can restore you. Do not give up hope, but like the woman with the issue of blood, press through the crowd of your doubts and fears. Approach God with faith,knowing He is more than willing to heal and restore you. James 5:16 reminds us of the power of prayer: “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and 
effective.” 
While God is the Restorer (Jehovah Rapha), He also expects us to play our part in caring for our bodies. We must watch the kind of life we live, be mindful of what we eat, go for regular medical check-ups, and ensure we rest adequately. Our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20), and we must care for them. By making healthy choices, we position ourselves to live long and productive lives in God’s service.
As we face the future, let us remember that God is willing to restore the years we have lost to illness. No matter how long you have been afflicted or how hopeless the situation seems, God’s healing power is still at work today. Approach Him in faith, for He has promised to bring health and healing.
I pray to God to restore us to wholeness in our bodies. Amen.
Have a blessed week!