The other day, I went to see my doctor and the person at the front desk asked me one simple question with a smile on her face, “Good morning, how can I help you today?” It was easy for me to answer this question because I went there with a specific goal in mind. I did not have to give it much thought, l didn’t have to scratch my head trying to remember why I was there and what I needed help with. I was able to tell them exactly what I needed help with.
In Luke 18: 35 – 43, we read the story of Jesus healing Bartimeus who was a blind man. During those times, people with blindness were considered outcast and they often found themselves begging for living (John 9:1-3). When Bartimeus heard Jesus was in town, he knew the Son of God could heal him – he had faith that Jesus could give him his sight. It is highly likely that Bartimeus has heard of all the miracles Jesus was doing throughout the land of Palestine. Remember, Jesus’ reputation of being a healer or miracle worker preceded him – many followed him because they wanted to be healed of their various diseases (Matt 14:14, 19:2, 21:14, 12:15). Although there were some who tried to stop Bartimeus from getting to Jesus, he did not stop screaming His name. He knew Jesus could help him, and his tenacious faith was about to be rewarded. Jesus asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?” It is hard for me to believe Jesus did not know what Bartimeus needed from Him. However, I believe Jesus offered him an opportunity to express his faith which played a role in his healing process (Luke 18:42). Without hesitation nor a shred of disbelief, Bartimeus said, “Lord, I want to see.” Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight; your faith has healed you.”
If Jesus were to ask you and me the same question today: “What do you want me to do for you?” Would you be ready to answer this question? What would you ask for? Would you have to think about it or would you have a list of demands ready to go. Paul reminds us in Philippians 4:6 to present our requests to God through prayer and petition. Whatever it is we want God to do for us, we can present it to him in prayer; however, we must have faith that God is able and trust His will in the process. Just like Bartimeus, we need to be tenacious and intentional in our prayer life, because there might be daily hindrances to keep us away from accessing the throne room of God’s Grace (Hebrews 4:16). Jesus already knows our needs and the desires of our hearts. However, through prayer, we can boldly and confidently tell Jesus what we want him to do for us and expect His will to be done in our lives.
PRAY, PRAY, PRAY
Donny