Desperate Faith

KEY VERSES:

• Mark 5:21–24
• Mark 5:25–34
• John 16:33
• 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18
• Proverbs 3:5–6
• Ephesians 3:20
• Mark 2:17
• John 3:17

HIGHLIGHTS:

1. Series frame—Nameless Faith: God spotlights faith over fame; last week’s centurion, this week the unnamed woman — Matthew 8:5–13 (recap); Mark 5:25–34.
2. The setup: Jesus is en route to Jairus’ house; crowds pack in — Mark 5:21–24.
3. Her stacked challenges: Physical pain, medical failure, financial strain, religious/relational isolation — Mark 5:26.
4. What her faith shows:
   • Faith isn’t defined by circumstances — John 16:33.
   • Faith moves before the miracle — Mark 5:27–29; Proverbs 3:5–6.
   • Faith is your choice, not borrowed — Mark 5:27–28.
   • Faith asks big — Mark 5:28; Ephesians 3:20.
5. What Jesus shows:
   • He wants pursuit, not a casual “bump-in” — Mark 5:30–32.
   • He brings private faith into public encouragement — Mark 5:33.
   • He makes the unclean clean; He came to heal and save — Mark 2:17; John 3:17.
   • He restores identity: “Daughter…go in peace” — Mark 5:34.
6. Bottom line: Don’t let delay or disappointment define you—reach for Jesus and let Him write a new chapter — 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18.

TALK ABOUT IT:

• Name one area where life feels stuck. Pray John 16:33 over it, then take a small, obedient step anyway.
• Pray a “before the miracle” prayer: ask clearly, trust fully (Proverbs 3:5–6), and tell a friend you’re believing God.
• Trade vague hopes for bold asks (Ephesians 3:20). Write one “big ask,” date it, and revisit weekly.
• Move from “bumping into” Jesus to pursuing Him: set a daily 10-minute undistracted time in Mark 5 this week.
• Make your faith public: share a 2–3 sentence testimony with someone who needs hope (Mark 5:33).
• If shame keeps you back, read Mark 2:17 and John 3:17 aloud; come as you are—today.
• Practice the rejoice/pray/thanks rhythm at three moments you usually scroll: morning, lunch, bedtime (1 Thessalonians 5:16–18).

APPLY IT:

1. Where am I waiting to see a result before I trust God? What would “faith first” look like this week (Mark 5:28)?
2. Which layer of her struggle (physical, medical, financial, relational) mirrors mine right now (Mark 5:26)?
3. Do I mostly “bump into” Jesus or pursue Him? How would my week change if I moved to pursuit (Mark 5:30–32)?
4. What keeps me from sharing my story—fear, privacy, perfection? How does Mark 5:33 challenge that?
5. Where have I put God in a box? What’s one “immeasurably more” prayer I’ll revive (Ephesians 3:20)?
6. How do Mark 2:17 and John 3:17 correct my instinct to “clean up” before coming to Jesus?
7. What false labels would lose power if I believed Jesus’ word “Daughter/Son” over me (Mark 5:34)?