Jesus saw her.

Jesus "was teaching in one of the synagogues on the Sabbath. And there was a woman who for eighteen years had had a sickness caused by a spirit; and she was bent double, and could not straighten up at all. When Jesus saw her, He called her over and said to her, "Woman, you are freed from your sickness." And He laid His hands on her; and immediately she was made erect again and began glorifying God.”

Luke 13:10-13 NASB

http://bible.com/100/luk.13.10-13.nasb

She's suffered 18 years. That's a long time to be doubled over. Painful. Day in. Day out. Makes it hard to do basic chores. It is possible that it affected her relationships in a culture where afflictions were thought to be a sign of judgement. 

As uncomfortable and hard as life was, she wasn't bitter. She was at the synagogue. Still seeking Her Jehovah. She had not stopped following Him in her hard days. 

Jesus noticed her. 

Out of the crowds there, He noticed her. 

He called out to her. Told her to approach the One who was there at Creation. To come near to her Maker. 

She risked embarrassment. Walking up to Jesus would put her in the spotlight. She might be mocked. Surely there were whispers. 

Her response? She came. She scored closer to her Lord. She drew near to Him, possibly the only one in the room willing to be near her. 

If she hadn't come near, she might have missed Jesus. His healing words. His healing touch. 

Her freedom came when she drew near and let Jesus do His work in her life. 

Father God, just like this woman was noticed by Jesus, we are assured throughout Your Word that You notice us!  You know what we face today. You know what we need. Give us ears to hear Your whispers to draw near, and hearts that quickly respond. Courage to "shuffle" closer when it hurts to move and when we are afraid. Your grace and love for us is huge - open our minds to grasp a bit more of Your heart toward us today. Where healing is needed, we ask in the name of Jesus for healing to come. Physically, emotionally, mentally, spiritually. Give us hearts that seek You as we wait. Enduring in faith. Lift up the hearts of those who need an extra dose of hope today. We praise You and thank You for being our Good Father and for never leaving us alone! In Jesus' name we pray!