A Determined Cry Of Faith

Mark 10:46-52 records an encounter that Jesus had with a blind man by the name of Bartimaeus. I believe Bartimaeus, in his hopeless condition, is representative of a lot of people today who are blind spiritually, living hopeless lives, and feeling useless and of no value.  Although none of that is true, that is exactly what the devil wants people to think and it is the lie he has put in many people today!  I want to share with you four lessons about faith that we can learn from Bartimaeus.

1.  OPPORTUNITY

Wherever Jesus went there were large crowds and many opportunities for him to heal and deliver those who had no hope in their lives.  When he came into Jericho "revival" was breaking out over God's Spirit.  Revival always provides for opportunity to be healed and to heal!  If you feel as though you are in the same hopeless condition as Bartimaeus, then grab the opportunity to cry out to Jesus and receive your need met.

the town and there was a great outpouring of

2.  THE CRY OF FAITH

No one prompted Bartimaeus to cry out to Jesus.  I believe he was tired of living in his condition and he knew that Christ was his only hope.  Bartimaeus made a confession of faith when he declared, "Thou Son of David, have mercy on me!"  He knew who Jesus was and what he could do.  If you are in a hopeless situation, cry out to God with your confession of faith.  Recognize who Jesus is and what he can do for you.

3.  DETERMINATION

Even though Bartimaeus knew who Jesus was and what He could do, he met opposition from the crowd.  Many who were there rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but Bartimaeus' response was to "shout all the more."  Bartimaeus had determination.  When we are struggling with life, we must have a spirit of "determination."  Never give up!  Press on!  Ignore your detractors and just cry out to God.  He is the source of delivery for whatever it is that you are going through.  Be determined!

4.  THE ANSWER

Because of Bartimaeus' determination, he received the answer he was seeking.  Although the crowd tried to quiet him, Jesus "called for him" and asked him what he wanted.  Bartimaeus responded with "I want to see" and Jesus told him "Go, your faith has healed you!"  If you want to receive the answer to your situation, just tell Jesus what you want and your faith will heal you!

Are you ready to make your "determined cry of faith" to God for the answer to your situation? If so, then God's ready to speak the words to you: "Go, your faith has healed you!"

-- Pastor Temple