“The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.“ – Albert Einstein 

“The definition of hopelessness is doing everything you can possibly think of for twelve years and getting the same results,” said the woman with the issue of blood from Luke 8. 

Most of us would agree with both Einstein and the woman from Luke 8. It’s insanity to keep trying the same thing over and over, and it feels hopeless to try everything with no results. 

Life can feel insanely hopeless sometimes. Maybe it’s an illness, or a job search or looking for a spouse. We all face times when we aren’t sure what to do or where to turn. We wear ourselves out trying to fix things or work harder. 

The desperate, embarrassed, isolated and hopeless woman, however, serves as an example of what we should do in those times. She had faith. A faith in God that brought healing and a faith that Jesus wanted us to follow. 

And what is faith -- the faith that overcomes hopelessness? 

Faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. (Hebrews 11:1) 

We are promised that, Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. (Isaiah 40:31)   

Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28) 

Therefore, Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. (Hebrews 10:23) 

The true definition of insanity, it seems, may be “not placing our hope in a faithful God who has been our help time and time again.” Today, place your hope in the same Jesus as did the woman who touched the hem of His garment. You will not be disappointed. 

By LaRaine Rice