She had a problem to which few may be able to relate.

For twelve years the anonymous woman whose story is told in the gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke suffered with an issue of blood.

This constant bleeding not only drained her physically, but according to the laws of that time, labeled her unclean and prohibited her from physical contact with anyone.

She exhausted her finances on many doctors, yet her condition only grew worse. She was sick, alone and desperate.

Then she heard about Jesus.

She joined those who crowded around him. Despite the law, which told her not to touch, she moved closer to Jesus thinking, “If I can just touch his robe, I’ll be healed.”

She pressed past the law, leaned toward the giver of grace and touched the fringe of his robe.

Why the fringe?

I’ve read that Jewish people wore robes with tassels on the four corners that served as a reminder of God’s laws and their duty to keep it.

Some considered the tassels sacred.

Regardless of her reason, to touch the hem of the garment would have required her to bow down and reach out. And when she did, she was immediately healed.

While it may be difficult to relate to a woman who lived so long ago, I believe that we have all experienced problems, issues or situations that threatened to drain the life right out of us.

Maybe it’s anger or fear; addiction or financial strains; a job or relationship or lack thereof.

When I’m in the midst of a struggle and seem to be sinking, I remember the woman who pressed through everyone and everything that stood between her and Jesus.

I bow in worship and reach out through a prayer of faith that I hope touches Heaven.

Ronny Michel may be reached at rmichel@rtconline.com.