When Jesus asked Bartimaeus what he wanted, He gave him the chance to ask for anything, even prosperity, so that he would never have to beg again—something very humiliating. And Bartimaeus' response to Jesus was very straightforward: Rabboni, that I may receive my sight. Do as Bartimaeus did! Enter into God's presence in prayer, and when you feel the moment to ask the Lord for something, be measured in your words. Present your desire to Him. There is nothing better than presenting yourself as a worker who does not need to be ashamed (2 Timothy 2.15b).

The Lord does not require you to say beautiful words to please Him, for what pleases Him is to see His people living according to His Word and witnessing to it. Jesus is the Truth Himself, so do not try to justify yourself. Those who speak the Truth speak the language of the Lord and will be heard. After determining that something should be done, thank God for it, and in a short time, you will see that you have been blessed for praying and believing that you would receive it (Mark 11:24).

When the Israelites sinned against the Most High, He said to His chosen leader of the people: Now therefore, go, lead the people to the place of which I have spoken to you. Behold, My Angel shall go before you. Nevertheless, in the day when I visit for punishment, I will visit punishment upon them for their sin. (Exodus 32.34). Moses waited for the right moment to beg Him to go with them Himself: If Your Presence does not go with us, do not bring us up from here. (Exodus 33.15b). The Lord replied that He would grant his request. Those who pray succeed!

Our heavenly Father is compassionate (Psalm 103:8). He loves us and wants to do us good. God knows that we are limited (v. 14) and need Him always with us. This will only not happen if we sin and do not seek Him to ask for forgiveness and make things right with Him. The Israelites did this, were forgiven, and were able to march on.

The secret to Bartimaeus' healing was his understanding when he listened to the Word of God. The change in your life will take place if you believe everything that the Holy Spirit reveals to you in the Bible. The fact that Bartimaeus, being blind, cried out to the Lord to have mercy on him and his insistence on continuing to plead, even when rebuked, made Jesus stop and pay attention to him. Those who listen to the Lord will be heard by Him!

Asking for mercy is good and right, but you must be objective and persistent in your request. It was the last time the Savior would pass that way. Bartimaeus needed to be heard at that moment or never again. No one else in the crowd acted like that. Do as Bartimaeus did: when you understand the Word of the Lord, use all your faith and ability to fight with God for your miracle, for there may be no other opportunity to get what you want.

Joshua, Moses' successor who brought Israel into Canaan, died at the age of 110. He did almost everything right, but the Lord rebuked him: “You are old, advanced in years, and there remains very much land yet to be possessed.  (Joshua 13.1b). What shall we say to God if we fail to do something He has entrusted to us? The power to accomplish this has been given to us; it is ours!

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares.