The woman who reached out to touch the hem of Jesus’ garment wasn’t just desperate—she was full of faith. She had suffered for 12 long years, seeking healing from every earthly source available. Then, she saw Jesus.

She didn’t ask for His attention. She didn’t cry out for Him to stop. She simply believed, “If I just touch His clothes, I will be healed.” (Mark 5:28) And she was.

Jesus immediately felt power leave Him, and He turned to find her. Though many people were pressing against Him, only one had touched Him with faith. His response was life-changing: “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.” (Mark 5:34)

He didn’t say, “My power has healed you.” He credited her faith. Faith was the key that unlocked the miracle.

Jesus responds to faith so reliantly; it might as well be a reflex. It wasn’t that He couldn’t control His power. He simply honors faith so consistently that it moves Him into action. If faith moves Jesus, then the question is, how do we grow our faith?

Romans 10:17 gives us the answer: “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”

We don’t build faith through feelings, wishes, or self-motivation. Faith is birthed and strengthened through the Word of God. When we fill ourselves with Scripture, we are feeding our faith. That’s why Jesus declared in Matthew 4:4, “Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.”

Just as we need food to sustain our physical bodies, we need God’s Word to sustain our spiritual lives. And believe it or not, the Word of God can curb your physical appetite as well.

Live a life of faith, and you will be healed. Live a life of faith, and you will be satisfied. Live a life of faith, and you will inspire others to do the same. Faith isn’t just believing—it’s reaching out, like that woman, and touching the hem of His garment.