Devotional

There have been many times in my life where I have not had the courage to say what I needed to. For many years I was (and am still tempted by) worried about what people thought about me, so I would remain silent.

I am encouraged by the blind man named Bartimaeus. He was on the roadside begging and then heard Jesus was coming by and started crying out, “Jesus! Son of David, have mercy on me!” When told to be quiet by the people, he yells it out even more.

Bartimaeus was desperate for Jesus’ attention. He was not worried about what other people thought of him. He just wanted to get to Jesus and ask for His help. There was a courage and a boldness there that is quite admirable.

The other quality I saw in his approach (apart from humility) was his faith. Bartimaeus had such faith that he was outright in what he wanted Jesus to do. He knew Jesus was someone special, He had heard the stories of this Jesus healing others and he wanted it for himself.

Notice what Jesus says. “Go, your faith has made you well”. Jesus saw and heard this man's faith and in Jesus' power He could heal.

Is your faith in God stronger than your desire for people to like you? Or does your temptation of people pleasing get the better of you? This is something I have had to overcome myself and God wants to help you with this as well.

I pray we all have the courage and faith of Bartimaeus.

God bless you as you seek Him.
James