Desperate Faith: Finding Hope in Suffering

In the story of the woman who suffered for twelve years, we see a powerful example of what it means to be desperate for God. Her life was marked by isolation, pain, and disappointment—she had tried everything the world could offer, yet nothing brought her healing. Despite her suffering, she held onto faith, believing that just a touch from Jesus could change everything. This faith was not born out of comfort, but out of years of hardship and longing. Her desperation led her to break social norms, push through the crowd, and reach for Jesus, even when it meant risking further shame or punishment.

Desperation, when directed toward God, is not a weakness but an open door for His power to move. Many of us find ourselves in seasons where we are desperate for change, healing, or breakthrough. We may have exhausted all our own resources, tried to control our circumstances, or relied on self-sufficiency, only to find ourselves at the end of our strength. It is in these moments that we are invited to surrender—to let go of control and trust that God is able to do what we cannot.

Faith is not the absence of doubt or fear, but the willingness to trust God even when the situation seems impossible. The woman’s faith was not passive; it was active, propelling her to seek Jesus with everything she had left. Her story reminds us that sometimes, desperate times do call for desperate measures—not in the form of panic or bitterness, but in a holy pursuit of God’s presence and power.

When we allow our desperation to drive us to Jesus, we may find ourselves “causing a scene”—living in such a way that others take notice, not of us, but of the God who meets us in our need. Jesus did not rebuke the woman for her boldness; instead, He called her “daughter” and affirmed her faith. He made her healing personal, showing that He sees, knows, and cares for each of us in our suffering.

Seasons of suffering are not wasted in God’s hands. Whether our healing comes quickly or after many years, or even if it waits until eternity, God uses our brokenness to keep us close to Him. He is good, and He brings beauty from ashes. In every season, we are invited to keep running to His feet, trusting that He is our hope, our peace, and our strength.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Desperation can be a holy invitation. When we reach the end of our own strength and resources, our desperation can open the door for God to move in ways we could never orchestrate ourselves. Rather than seeing desperation as a sign of failure, we can view it as a posture that welcomes the miraculous. [05:35]
• 2. Faith grows in the soil of suffering. The woman’s faith was not diminished by her years of pain and isolation; instead, it was refined and strengthened. Our long seasons of hardship can deepen our trust in God, teaching us to rely on His promises even when we don’t see immediate results. [08:42]
• 3. Self-sufficiency and control are subtle enemies of faith. When we try to manage or fix everything ourselves, we often miss the opportunity to experience God’s power. True faith requires surrender—letting go of our need to control outcomes and trusting God to do what only He can do. [11:42]
• 4. Holy desperation may lead us to break norms and “cause a scene.” Sometimes, pursuing Jesus with all our heart means stepping out of comfort zones, risking misunderstanding, or defying expectations. When our longing for God outweighs our concern for appearances, our lives become testimonies that draw others to Him. [15:56]
• 5. Jesus responds personally to desperate faith. He does not overlook those who come to Him in brokenness and need. Instead, He calls us by name, affirms our faith, and meets us with compassion. Even if our circumstances don’t change immediately, His presence and attention are the healing our souls need most. [21:41]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [01:19] - Reading the Story of Jairus and the Bleeding Woman
• [03:00] - Setting the Scene: Desperation and Suffering
• [05:35] - The Isolation and Pain of the Bleeding Woman
• [07:30] - The Source and Growth of Her Faith
• [08:42] - Faith vs. Doubt, Fear, and Mistrust
• [10:30] - The Trap of Self-Sufficiency and Control
• [11:42] - Surrendering Control to God
• [13:28] - Faith That Moves Us to Action
• [15:56] - Desperate Hearts Can Cause a Scene
• [17:30] - Zacchaeus: Another Example of Holy Desperation
• [19:42] - Letting Desperation Lead to Testimony
• [21:41] - Jesus’ Personal Response to Desperate Faith
• [22:58] - Suffering, Faith, and God’s Goodness
• [25:19] - Responding in Worship and Prayer

Observation Questions

1. What details does Mark give about the woman’s life and her suffering over the twelve years? What stands out about her situation?
2. How does the woman approach Jesus, and what does she believe will happen if she touches His clothes?
3. What is Jesus’ reaction when He realizes someone has touched Him? How do the disciples respond to His question?
4. When the woman comes forward, what does Jesus say to her, and how does He address her? ([21:41])

Interpretation Questions

1. Why might the woman’s desperation have led her to break social and religious rules to reach Jesus? What does this say about the nature of her faith? ([15:56])
2. The sermon mentions that faith is not the absence of doubt or fear, but the willingness to trust God even when things seem impossible. How does the woman’s story illustrate this kind of faith? ([08:42])
3. The sermon talks about self-sufficiency and control as “subtle enemies of faith.” In what ways did the woman have to let go of control in her situation? ([11:42])
4. Jesus calls the woman “daughter” and makes her healing personal. What is the significance of this, especially considering her years of isolation? ([21:41])

Application Questions

1. The sermon says, “Desperation can be a holy invitation.” Can you think of a time in your life when you were desperate for God to move? How did that season affect your faith? ([05:35])
2. The woman’s faith grew in the soil of suffering. Are you currently in a season of hardship or waiting? How might God be using this time to grow your faith, even if you don’t see immediate results? ([22:58])
3. The message warns about self-sufficiency and control. Are there areas in your life where you are trying to “fix it” yourself instead of surrendering to God? What would it look like to let go and trust Him with those things? ([11:42])
4. Sometimes, pursuing Jesus means stepping out of your comfort zone or risking misunderstanding. Is there a step of faith you feel God is asking you to take, even if it might “cause a scene” or go against expectations? ([15:56])
5. Jesus responded personally to the woman’s desperate faith. Do you believe that God sees and cares for you in your suffering? Why or why not? How does this truth impact the way you approach Him in prayer? ([21:41])
6. The sermon suggests that seasons of suffering are not wasted in God’s hands. Looking back, can you see ways God has brought beauty from ashes in your life? If you’re still waiting, how can you keep running to Jesus for hope and strength? ([22:58])
7. The woman’s story became a testimony to others. Is there a way you can share your story of desperation and faith to encourage someone else this week? ([19:42])