The story of Bartimaeus in Mark 10 always makes me stop and think. Here is a blind man sitting at the side of the road begging. How else could he survive? He hears a crowd of people and a commotion. “What’s going on? Someone tell me!” Jesus was coming his way. I can see him jump up and start yelling “Jesus, Jesus”, turning his head from side to side trying to hear a response or determine where Jesus might be. Those around him told him to shut up you dirty beggar.
Of all that crowd of people, Jesus did hear him. Bartimaeus was far enough away that someone had to guide him to Jesus. Then Jesus asked him what I had thought was one of the real “duh” questions of the Bible. “What do you want Me to do for you?” Hello, Jesus the guy is blind.
Then the spirit clued me in. Bartimaeus was blind but he was begging. Jesus was really asking do you just want some money, a fish or some bread or can you believe Me enough to change your life forever.
I can not help but think that as we pray Jesus is asking us the same question “What do you want Me to do for you?”. Are you just asking me for a better job, more hours, a new car or some other “thing”. Is that all you can believe Me for?
Why don’t you ask Me to soften your neighbor’s heart so that they will go to church with you? Why don’t you ask Me to show you how to reach out to that homeless person with more than just a dollar or two? Why don’t you ask Me to help you love others the way I do? I want to give you the best gifts but you are only believing Me for scraps.
“he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do“ John 14:12
We have all the promises of God available to us. Why do we settle for so little. Jesus told Bartimaeus it was his faith that made him well. Jesus is willing to do great things in and through us but we must believe, especially in these unsettling times.
This story always challenges me and makes me examine my faith and my prayer life. I want to believe Jesus for changes in my life that will have eternal rewards. I want to forget about my circumstances and trust God.
“Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” Matt 6:31-33
Our heavenly Father will often give us what we ask for because He loves us. But that does not mean it is the best thing He has for us.
And He gave them their request, But sent leanness into their soul Psalm 106:15
We are the children of the Most High God. We can and should have rivers of living water flowing through us into a lost and hurting world. Maybe our area of influence is not so great but our influence in it should be great! God wants you to ask Him for more. God wants you to believe Him for more. God wants you to trust Him for more.
He is on our side. He will give us the desires of our hearts if our heart is His heart.