Thy Faith Hath Made Thee Whole

"And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole." I am fascinated by this affirmation from the Savior because it is so dynamic. The Savior is clearly referring to her physical health, but by examining the other meanings behind the Savior's statement to this faithful woman we can gain a deeper understanding of faith. Such an understanding will allow us to become not only physically, but also mentally, spiritually, and emotionally whole.

First, regarding physical wholeness. Maintaining a faith in Christ will provide the power necessary to becoming physically whole. We are able to maintain this faith because healing the sick was an integral part of Christ's life. In Matthew, chapter 14, verse 36 an extremely similar phenomenon as what happened to the woman with an issue of blood happened to many in the land of Gennasaret, they being made "perfectly whole." In John, chapter 5 Christ heals the man by the pool of Bethesda and it was said: "And immediately the man was made whole." (John 5:9). Those who exercised their faith in Christ, even after many years and trials were blessed with physical wholeness. As Christ speaks to the woman that had an issue of blood he reassures and testifies that by acting in faith she became whole from her physical illness, and we can experience the same miraculous healing power.

Although I have not experienced any miraculous healing powers in my own life, I can testify that an enduring faith in Christ has filled the emotional, mental, and spiritual sicknesses, or gaps that I lack. Most recently as a full-time teacher, a struggling student, a faithful father (or at least trying my best), and a (also trying to be) diligent disciple I find myself frequently at a loss for time, talents, and testimony. I know what I should be doing, but the how, amidst all of my other responsibilities escapes me. During one particularly trying week I felt like I could relate with the woman with an issue of blood on all accounts except physically. I was emotionally spent, mentally strained, and spiritually drained after months of persevering. This was the moment when I realized I needed to, figuratively, touch the hem of the Savior's garment. I needed to, like the woman with an issue of blood, rely wholly and completely on the Savior's grace. To understand what I mean let's look at what Christ said to the woman with an issue of blood with a different perspective.

Jesus says to the woman: "thy faith hath made thee whole," he continues: "go in peace, and be whole of thy plague." (Mark 5:34). It is interesting that the Savior seems to be saying the same thing twice. He could either be repeating himself, or each statement could have a different purpose. The second phrase seems to refer directly to her sickness, "...be whole of thy plague..." while the first refers more to the faith of the woman and what having faith has done for her, not in a physical sense, but in a spiritual sense. Christ is telling this woman that it was her faith, not the healing that made her whole, or complete. Elder Ballard speaks of this same wholeness:

"If our faith is anchored securely in our testimonies of Christ, we will be able to cope with whatever adversity comes our way, and we will be able to do so in a positive, faith-promoting manner. if we keep the eye of faith focused on Christ, we gain a broader view and an eternal perspective, and with that we can understand adversity from within the context of Heavenly Father's eternal plan for all of His children. And we can find comfort in this life in the safety, peace, joy and security that He promises" ("When Shall These Things Be?" Ensign, Dec. 1996, 61).

If I were to extrapolate on what the Savior said it would sound something like this: "My daughter, your faith is extraordinary, it has carried you through your trials, and because of that faith you are whole even though you are physically debilitated. Now, go in peace, and also be whole of thy plague."

I testify that this woman demonstrated great faith in the Savior and in His healing power. I know that because of that faith she was spiritually and emotionally whole, and was made physically whole by the healing power of the Messiah. We all experience doubt, fear, frustration, loneliness, sickness, and sin. We need not let those struggles define us. We have the unconditional and eternal support of a loving Elder Brother that will sustain our faith so that we can be defined by our faith instead of our fears, and that faith will make us whole.