Have you ever had a moment when you lost sight of where you were going, felt overwhelmed, and were so out of control that you were afraid, even terrified. In those times, when you turn to God and surrender, realizing that you can’t take it anymore and that you are incapable of managing what is going on in your life, you find God, hope, direction, purpose, and healing. That is what happened to the two blind men who sought Jesus for healing. They were in a terrible place, no hope, no future, just existence, until they sought the One who brings hope, healing, and purpose. Jesus healed them “according to their faith.” It wasn’t according to their status, income, or social standing, it was their faith alone that made the difference.

Scriptures – Mark 9:23; Matthew 9:27-30; Hebrews 11:1, 6; Colossians 4:2; James 2:22; Daniel 3:17-18

Verses – “All things are possible for the one who has faith.” (Mk 9:23) As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed him, calling out, “Have mercy on us, Son of David!” When he had gone indoors, the blind men came to him, and he asked them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” “Yes, Lord,” they replied. Then he touched their eyes and said, “According to your faith let it be done to you”; and their sight was restored.” (Mt 9:27-30) Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. (Hb 11:1)

Thought – 1) God honors a faith that believes even when it can’t see. The uncertainty of the future can be overwhelming; doubts and fears can be consuming, but faith moves you forward even when you can’t see with your physical eyes what’s ahead. The blind men had confidence that Jesus could heal them long before they could see, and he did! 2) God also honors a faith that persists, even when it looks like nothing is changing. These men called out to Jesus, followed him, and Scripture gives no indication that Jesus acknowledged them. They follow him into someone’s house, uninvited, and approach Jesus. At that point, Jesus asks the question, “Do you believe?” They immediately reply, “Yes, Lord.” They would not be detoured. They persisted until they received the evidence of their faith, sight. 3) God honors a faith that is marked by action. The blind men didn’t just sit idly by waiting for Jesus to come to them, pitying themselves, complaining about all their limitations. They did what they COULD do. They acted according to their faith. Sometimes you must act, even if it doesn’t make sense. There may be a lot that you can’t do, but you can do something to put your faith into action. Faith without works is dead; it takes both. And remember your faith is not in your faith, nor is it in your works; it is in God’s faithfulness, goodness, sovereignty, a God whose ways are higher than you can comprehend. And if God doesn’t answer your prayer, reward your faith in the way you prayed, He is sovereign, and I still believe!

Questions – What are you believing God for? Do you believe he is able to do it? Are you being persistent in prayer, in pursuing God for the result? What actions are you taking to demonstrate your faith? What have you done in faith that didn’t make sense? When have you been disappointed because God didn’t answer in the way you prayed? How did you handle that? How do you wrap your mind around God’s sovereignty? 

Response – Pray daily for what you are believing God to do. Pray every time you think of it…at every meal, when you stop at a light, when you take a drink. Be persistent. Allow your mind’s eye to see what God can do. Listen to God and act on what he calls you to do, even if it doesn’t make sense.

Prayer – Lord, move in my life. I know that you are able, but sometimes I doubt whether you will. I do believe but help my unbelief. Open the eyes of my heart that I can see what has not materialized and believe in what there is yet no evidence to prove, because I trust you. I believe in your power. Speak to me Lord and I will do what you call me to do. Thank you for loving me despite my weaknesses. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen!