Faith That Heals: The Power of Faith in Jesus

Faith in Jesus for healing is a powerful biblical theme that speaks to believers today. In this post, I want to explore how faith in Jesus brings healing through two remarkable examples in the Bible: the woman with the issue of blood and Blind Bartimaeus. The Bible does not name the woman. Yet, her story reveals extraordinary faith, while Bartimaeus shows bold persistence in calling on Jesus despite opposition.

Many ministries today teach that healing comes through faith in the finished work of Jesus, the Son of God. At the same time, many believers wrestle with placing their confidence fully in Christ when facing pain, illness, or uncertainty. I understand that struggle personally. Like many others, I have sought help in practical ways. Yet I also believe God’s heart is to heal His people through the power of faith.

Christ is the source of healing. Scripture says He was wounded for our transgressions, bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed. Yet many believers still ask why healing does not always appear as quickly or as fully as they hope. I have asked God that question many times. In the examples that follow, I want to share what I believe the Lord has shown me about faith, healing, and trusting Jesus more deeply.

Faith in Jesus Brings Healing

The Holy Spirit desires that we be more aware of the power of faith and its ability to heal. Consider how the woman with the issue of blood received her healing. Scripture records her story in more than one Gospel account. In Matthew 9:20-22, we see a clear example of faith in Jesus for healing:

The Woman with the Issue of Blood

“And suddenly, a woman who had a flow of blood for twelve years came from behind and touched the hem of His garment. She said, ‘If only I may touch His garment, I shall be made well.’ But Jesus turned around, and when He saw her, He said, ‘Be of good cheer, daughter; your faith has made you well.’ And the woman was made well from that hour.” — Matthew 9:20-22

As I reflect on the woman’s faith, I remember how I sought healing from my crack cocaine addiction. One day, I visited the cemetery to pay my respects at my brother’s grave. While standing there, I thought, “If only God would hear me, I know He will heal me.” I had prayed for healing many times, but I struggled to believe that God truly heard my cries.

Then I remembered, as a child, my mother would tell me that God is in all living things. And there, right in front of me, was a giant oak tree, and it was alive. Looking at the tree, I said within, I’ve got you now, God, and you can’t walk away. So, you might as well listen to what I have to say. I poured my heart out, not withholding anything. That very day, the healing process began for me. My healing was not immediate, but my desire to smoke crack disappeared. Today, my healing has manifested. I no longer crave crack cocaine.

Believe Jesus for Healing

Mark’s version of the story of the woman with the issue of blood is more systematic. It sheds more light on the power of faith. It reads:

“Now, a certain woman had a flow of blood for twelve years and had suffered many things from many physicians. She had spent all that she had and was no better but rather grew worse. When she heard about Jesus, she came behind Him in the crowd and touched His garment. She said, ‘If only I may touch His clothes, I shall be made well.’ Immediately the fountain of her blood was dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of the affliction.” — Mark 5:25-29

The Bible does not tell us exactly what she heard about Jesus. Perhaps a friend or neighbor told her that He could help her. Whatever she heard, she believed it. Her faith strengthened her confidence and moved her to pursue healing.

Just as the woman with the issue of blood pressed through her limitations to reach Jesus, Blind Bartimaeus shows us what persistent faith looks like when obstacles try to silence us.

Persistent Faith for Healing

Blind Bartimaeus was determined to receive his sight. He did not care what people thought or said. To receive your healing, you must be persistent, like Bartimaeus.

“Now they came to Jericho. As He [Jesus] went out of Jericho with His disciples and a great multitude, blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat by the road begging. And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, ‘Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!’”

“Then many warned him to be quiet, but he cried out all the more, ‘Son of David, have mercy on me!’ So Jesus stood still and commanded him to be called. Then they called the blind man, saying to him, ‘Be of good cheer. Rise, He is calling you.’”

“And throwing aside his garment, he rose and came to Jesus. So Jesus answered and said to him, ‘What do you want Me to do for you?’ The blind man said to Him, ‘Rabboni, that I may receive my sight.’ Then Jesus said to him, ‘Go your way; your faith has made you well.’ And immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus on the road.” — Mark 10:46-52

Faith in Jesus Heals

Unshakable confidence gets God’s attention. Bartimaeus displayed tenacious faith. It did not matter to him that others were annoyed or tried to silence him. When they told him to be quiet, faith compelled him to cry out even more. Deep within, Bartimaeus believed Jesus would heal him if he could get His attention. In the end, he received his sight and followed Jesus on the road.

Blind Bartimaeus had a sight issue. The woman with the issue of blood had a life issue. When they received their healing, Jesus said, “Your faith has made you well.”

The woman with the issue of blood was in a predicament that affected her life in multiple ways. This woman was hemorrhaging all day, every day. She was probably cold and weak all the time from blood loss. It would have been difficult for her to walk across the street. Let alone across town, to find someone she heard could help her. To add to her dilemma, according to Jewish Law, the woman was unclean. The law says:

“If a woman has a discharge, and the discharge from her body is blood, she shall be set apart seven days; and whoever touches her shall be unclean until evening. Everything that she lies on during her impurity shall be unclean; also, everything that she sits on shall be unclean.” — Leviticus 15:19-20 NKJV

Count the Cost of Faith

Great faith often requires extraordinary trust. Healing is a gift from God to those who believe, and Scripture calls us to approach Him with confidence rather than doubt. When you ask God for healing, bring your request before Him in faith. Then ask Him to strengthen your heart where fear or uncertainty may remain. Could it be that, at times, doubt keeps us from resting fully in what God can do?

Faith Requires Trust Beyond Doubt

James 1:6-8 says, “…ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.” If something is hindering you from receiving healing, ask God to reveal where doubt may be taking root. Then follow the example of the woman with the issue of blood: speak faith, move in faith, and trust Jesus beyond what seems possible. Faith in Jesus for healing does not ignore obstacles—it presses through them with confidence in His power and compassion.

The stories of the woman with the issue of blood and Blind Bartimaeus remind us that healing begins with confident trust in Christ. Their examples show that faith in Jesus for healing is active, persistent, and anchored in the belief that He is willing and able to restore. As you seek God today, let your heart be strengthened to believe. Therefore, ask boldly, and keep your eyes fixed on Jesus.