Day 20 -Friday - January 27-- Prayer Focus - OUR NEEDS
Day 20 is always special. We always use this Friday to pray for the sick. To pray for people who may need healing or any kind of miracle that might be needed.
Today our goal is to build or stir our faith.
Mark 10:46-52 (NIV)
46 Then they came to Jericho. As Jesus and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city, a blind man, Bartimaeus (which means “son of Timaeus”), was sitting by the roadside begging. 47 When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”
48 Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”
49 Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.”
So they called to the blind man, “Cheer up! On your feet! He’s calling you.” 50 Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus.
51 “What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked him.
The blind man said, “Rabbi, I want to see.”
52 “Go,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.
A man with a need comes to Jesus.
We all have a need, a list, things we are believing God for.
Here’s the first principle:
1. Push through opposition.
People were wanting him to be quiet. They were “shushing him.” But he persisted and shouted all the louder.
Perhaps we don’t ask God because we hear an internal voice that tells us not to. Or that we think that it’s too late.
God loves persistence. We will keep pressing through the opposition. He’s my only option and only hope.
2. Release control.
This man threw his cloak aside and walked toward Jesus.
A cloak could hold value. One of the few things he had. Maybe this represented provision because some think he would put his cloak out on the ground to catch change.
But he’s letting it go.
It can’t be my problem and God’s problem at the same time.
I’m all in. I’m giving all of whatever my problems are, to God. I’m throwing them aside and trusting Him for provision.
3. Make it personal.
Jesus calls Bartimeaus - and asks him “what do you want me to do for you?”
Jesus knew His need.
Bartimeaus was asking for mercy - but Jesus called him and said “what do you want me to do for you”” IE perhaps Jesus wanted Bartimeaus to be more specific, more personal.
God wants us to get personal with Him rather than just “throwing requests” up to Him. He is so interested in Him.
Today let’s push through opposition, release control and make it personal. In Jesus’ name.
