"Suriviving or Thriving?" (Part 3)

In the previous two mornings we looked at two practical things we may do to thrive in the midst of life’s trials. Today we will see a third: if we want to do more than merely survive in life we must learn to exercise the faith available to us. The story of Bartimaeus provides this last principle also.

And so they reached Jericho. Later, as Jesus and his disciples left town, a great crowd was following. A blind beggar named Bartimaeus (son of Timaeus) was sitting beside the road as Jesus was going by. When Bartimaeus heard that Jesus from Nazareth was nearby, he began to shout out, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" "Be quiet!" some of the people yelled at him. But he only shouted louder, "Son of David, have mercy on me!" When Jesus heard him, he stopped and said, "Tell him to come here." So they called the blind man. "Cheer up," they said. "Come on, he's calling you!" Bartimaeus threw aside his coat, jumped up, and came to Jesus. "What do you want me to do for you?" Jesus asked. "Teacher," the blind man said, "I want to see!" And Jesus said to him, "Go your way. Your faith has healed you." And instantly the blind man could see! Then he followed Jesus down the road. (Mark 10:46-52 NLV).

Notice, Bartimaeus’ boldness grabbed Jesus’ attention. His boldness and enthusiasm were almost impossible to miss. However, the reason that Jesus healed Bartimaeus was not because of his boldness, but because of his faith. It was Bartimaeus’ faith that triggered Jesus’ healing power. Jesus said to Bartimaeus, "Go, your faith has healed you."

Bartimaeus knew exactly what he wanted. For that reason, he did not hesitate to speak to Jesus about it. Through prayer, we have this same privilege. The prophet reminds us, "Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know." (cf. Jeremiah 33:3). Paul told us, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." (cf. Philippians 4:6).

Requesting something of Jesus or speaking to Jesus is not enough. The rich young ruler did that, yet he remained unchanged. Complete faith is obedient faith. Mark tells us that when Bartimaeus received his sight, he "followed Jesus along the road." Can you imagine the testimony that his eyesight must have been as he told others the impact that Jesus had in his life?

A missionary, in a very isolated area of Africa, performed surgery on a poor blind man. The surgery was successful and his sight was restored. Several days after the operation the man disappeared from the hospital. Everyone was quite concerned for his well being. Then, a few days later, the missionary opened his door and there stood the man who had been operated on. The man was holding a rope. On the other end of the rope were ten more blind people. My dear friends, you need not settle for less! You need not muddle through life partly on track, partly off track. Don’t just survive, thrive! Thrive through Jesus Christ and your faith in Him. Exercise the faith you have. It will be enough in the power of the Holy Spirit!