Have you ever started to talk to Jesus about your concerns but weren't sure exactly what you needed? Sometimes things feel a bit, well, *much*. We know we have needs or there is a need for a friend, but we're not sure where to start with the asking.
There is a lot we can learn from the story of the blind man, Bartimaeus, who was a beggar in the town of Jericho, and his honest encounter with Jesus. We find this recorded in Mark 10:46-52 (The Voice).
Let's take a look:
46 By that time, they had reached Jericho; as they passed through the town, a crowd of people followed along. They came to a blind beggar, Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, who sat beside the main road. 47 When he was told that Jesus of Nazareth was passing in that throng, he called out in a loud voice.
Bartimaeus: Jesus, Son of David, take pity on me and help me!
Disgusted by the blind man’s public display, others in the crowd tried to silence him until the Master passed.
Some of the Crowd: 48 Be quiet. Shush. Bartimaeus (still louder): Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me!
49 Jesus stopped where He stood. The crowd stopped with Him. He told those near the front of the crowd to call the blind man forward.
Some of the Crowd (to Bartimaeus): Good news! Jesus has heard you. Listen—He calls for you. Get up and go to Him.
50 Bartimaeus cast aside his beggar’s robe and stepped forward, feeling his way toward Jesus.
Jesus: 51 What do you want from Me? Bartimaeus: Teacher, I want to see Jesus: 52 Your faith has made you whole. Go in peace.
In that moment, Bartimaeus could see again; and from that time on, he followed Jesus.
Three things are striking to me about this story.
1) Bartimaeus knew exactly what he wanted. In verse 51, he boldly tells Jesus, "Teacher, I want to see." There was no confusion in his mind about what he wanted the outcome of this encounter to be.
In our own lives, we need to be brave enough to tell Jesus what we want. If we want to see and experience Him in everyday moments—tell him. If we want to be near to him and we don’t feel like we are—tell him.
I believe Jesus didn't ask Bartimaeus what he wanted because the Lord wasn't sure what the answer would be. He was obviously blind and Jesus was in the business of setting things right. Instead, I believe Jesus asked him this question because he wanted Bartimaeus to be sure he knew what he wanted...to ask specifically so Jesus could answer specifically.
2) He was willing to do whatever it took to get rid of anything that would keep him from getting into the Lord's presence. In verse 50, Bartimaeus casts aside his beggar’s robe and steps forward, feeling his way toward Jesus.
It was all he had—that robe and whatever coins were on it—but he tossed it aside and wasn’t going to let his inability to see Jesus at the moment inhibit him from getting to Him.
Sometimes, we have to feel our way forward before we're able to see what the Lord has for us. Do not be discouraged if you are in the "feeling your way forward" season. Your spiritual vision is soon to be restored.
3) Once things were clear, he could follow Jesus. In verse 52, it says that Bartimaeus could see again, and from that time on, he followed Jesus.
Apparently, he could see at one time since Mark used the word "again". He just needed to have his sight restored to him. Once his sight was restored, he could see things—physically and spiritually—more clearly, and he was ready to follow Jesus.
Ask for God to help you to see clearly your need and then boldly ask Him to meet it. Then, do whatever you have to—and be willing to go to extreme measures—to get into His presence. That's where the transformation happens.
✨How We Wait Today:
Be honest with your requests, and don't be afraid to tell Jesus that you want to slow down and experience His presence. Get rid of anything that is keeping you from doing so, and once you see Him, really see Him there, you will be energized to want to follow Him for the rest of your life.
Waiting on the Lord is worth it. And He will be faithful to speak to us in our everyday normal moments and remind us that He is with us. Always.
✨ What do you want the Lord to do in your life today?
((Want to read more from Tara and more about hearing God in everyday moments? Pick up your copy of Waiting On Wonders, 40-Days of Wonder Devotional at Amazon or get a signed, jacketed hardback special edition copy HERE ✨
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