Faith and Courage

‘As Jesus approached Jericho, a blind beggar was sitting beside the road.  

When he heard the noise of a crowd going past, he asked what was happening.  

They told him that Jesus the Nazarene was going by. 

 So he began shouting,  “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”

 “Be quiet!”  the people in front yelled at him.

But he only shouted louder,  “Son of David, have mercy on me!”

When Jesus heard him, he stopped and ordered that

the man be brought to him.  As the man came near,

Jesus asked him,  “What do you want me to do for you?”

“Lord,”  he said,  “I want to see!”

And Jesus said,  “All right, receive your sight!  Your faith has healed you.”’

(Luke 18:35-42 NLT)

This blind man, who is in great need, demonstrates immense faith and courage.

He may not be able to see the world around him but he does have spiritual sight;

he has faith in who Jesus is, in His authority to show mercy and in His power to heal.

He isn’t deterred by others; he is courageous in shouting above them. 

He shows persistence and determination as he grasps this opportunity to

get the attention of the person who he knows can change the course of his life.

He is also a man who knows what he wants. 

He doesn’t give a vague answer to Jesus’ question;

he has the faith and courage to ask for what he really desires and needs.

We have desires and needs too.

Desires and needs that Jesus may be poised and ready to meet but we don’t seek Him, we don’t ask Him.

Consider for a moment some of your deepest desires and needs.

Imagine, like the blind man, calling out to Jesus, coming to Him and him turning to you to say:

“What do you want Me to do for you?”

How would you respond to Jesus?

As we respond we must have the faith to believe that Jesus will answer.

‘But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt.’ 

(James 1:6 NIV)

We must be sure and confident in Jesus Christ, who by the authority and power given to Him,

can meet our desires and needs and bring about change.

He can bless us with His mercy, healing, guidance, wisdom, help….

He is the One who loves to give good gifts to His children.

So why not have the courage to ask and the faith to believe?