Article - Determination
I believe we leave a lot "on the table" when it comes to receiving blessings from God, both natural and spiritual. We live in an era of easy acquisition. As humans we only make the greatest effort to gain the things we want the most.
The Bible tells the story of a blind man named Bartimaeus who lived near Jericho. As a blind man in that culture, he made use of the opportunity to beg alms (money), without the stigma of being considered of "no account". He had a physical condition that kept him from earning his own living in a normal fashion. As Jesus was passing by with a large crowd, Bartimaeus learned of it. Realizing who Jesus was, he knew that this offered him an opportunity like no other. If Jesus knew he was in need, then He would heal him. Bartimaeus began to cry out for Jesus to help him. There were some around who told him to stay quiet and not bother Jesus. But this caused him to yell out all the more. When Jesus heard him calling out, He asked to meet him. When Bartimaeus came to Jesus he received his sight.
What strikes me about this story, is the determination of Bartimaeus to get what he wanted. He seemingly made a fool of himself by calling out for Jesus. But when those around him tried to silence him, it apparently strengthened his determination. He must have weighed the options of seeming like a fool for a moment in the face of opposition, and the feeling of begging for the rest of his life. Many people fold after being told they can’t achieve their goals. Those who believe God for blessings in their lives are constantly being made to feel like fools for trusting in that which is unseen and seems impossible. If we are to receive the most important things in our lives, we must act as if they are the most important things in our lives. Are we willing to raise our prayers above the noise of the crowd, and against the counsel of unbelievers to gain what God wants to give? Are we determined to get through to God? Jericho ironically, was the site, where years before, the people of God looked like fools as they shouted out for victory in the face of opposition.
Determination will not yield to those who have no faith. Opposition should actually fuel determination.
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