Faith to Ask

By Pastor Steve Kelly / Books /

One day, a long time ago, Jesus was walking along a road near the ancient city of Jericho. As usual, a large crowd is following Jesus, wondering what He will do next. Some may have even hoped that Jesus would heal them.

As it happened, a blind man was on the side of the road begging. He heard the crowd and he asked someone nearby why there was such a commotion. They told the blind man, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.”

“Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” he called out, according to Luke 18:35-42.

The crowd told the blind man to be quiet, but he shouted even louder. He yelled at the top of his lungs, a desperate plea: “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”

Jesus stops. The crowd freezes, anticipating what might happen next. Can you picture it? Hundreds of people pressed together, perhaps a few whispers rippled through the crowd. Those who can’t see are craning their necks, jumping to look over the heads of the masses. In the middle of it all, Jesus turns to the blind beggar, the outcast who’d been told to shut his mouth.

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

Why would Jesus ask such a question? The man was blind and he was begging on the side of the road. It was pretty obvious that he needed healing. Yet, Jesus asked the man to be specific and speak his request.

Faith is specific. Faith is direct. It doesn’t beat around the bush. It asks because it believes. It receives because it asked, never doubting the request will be granted. James 4:2b reads, “…you don’t have because you don’t ask.” The flow of your connection with God through faith requires sharing your request. God knows what we think, but He wants us to take initiative.

And so, the blind man answered Jesus losartan 50 mg.

“Lord, I want to see!”

Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight; your faith has healed you.”

Like the blind man, I believe that we are being asked by Jesus, “What do you want me to do for you?” May we be bold, direct, and clear in telling Him. Activate your faith by declaring this day what you need from Jesus. He will part the crowd, listen to your words, and bring the strength and healing you need to live for Him today!

(Adapted from CONNECT: The Power and Necessity of God-Ordained Relationships, by Steve Kelly)