Surviving 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. This morning 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 they came to Jericho. And as he was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a great crowd, Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, the son of Timaeus, was sitting by the roadside. And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” And Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” And they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take heart. Get up; he is calling you.” And throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus. And Jesus said to him, “What do you want me to do for you?” And the blind man said to him, “Rabbi, let me recover my sight.” And Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he recovered his sight and followed him on the way.
(Mark 10:46-52 ESV)).

Notice, Bartimaeus’ boldness grabbed Jesus’ attention. His boldness and enthusiasm were almost impossible to miss. 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."

However, 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!