And he took the blind man by the hand, and led him out of the town; and when he had spit on his eyes, and put his hands upon him, he asked him if he saw ought. And he looked up, and said, I see men as trees, walking. — Mark 8:23-24
When I was younger, I had a tendency to look for the easy way out of a lot of situations. I think we all have moments like this in our lives. For example, when running laps in the gym, my coach would always fuss because I would try to cut the corners of the gym to shorten the run.
Maybe you can even relate to a time when you were given something to do for someone. You probably completed the task, but it wasn’t quite to the best of your ability. In life, we often find ourselves settling for good enough.
These verses in Mark have always been interesting to me where Jesus heals the blind man. Especially in verse 24 where we find that Jesus gave him partial sight, but not clear sight. The blind man could have easily settled for just partial vision. I think there’s an important lesson here for us in faith.
It can be easy to face circumstances in life, pray for God to intervene, and simply be happy with a little response. Could it be that God is only answering our prayers to the level of our faith? For example, if we are praying for something, do we pray fully expecting for God to do exactly what we ask, or simply help a little?
We know that our God can do amazing things, but that requires faith. If we only partially believe in His ability, then we may never fully experience God’s strength. Maybe you find yourself wavering over how much you believe God can do. Perhaps today is a time to check the level of your faith.
Jared Dyson
Amen!! We must have faith.
...the size of a mustard seed....
Truth!
Jesus always commended the ones who not only believed God could, but that He would. They were the ones who received healing from God. It is the same today. We do not begin by faith to complete His salvation by works. Our faith is proven by our works, but it is not our works that make us qualified to receive. No man can take credit for what God alone can give.
Jesus actually said the following things, yet so many are so insecure in their relationship with God that they won't believe His words. They think they have to first prove something to God by their religious observance or perfection, when all they had to do was receive from the One who loves them and totally forgave them for their sins. Aside from Jesus' own words, the letters of Paul make this very clear.
Matthew 7:8 For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.
Mark 11:24 Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.
Mark 11:22-24 So Jesus answered and said to them, “Have faith in God. For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.
Luke 12:32 “Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
Amen
Very thoughtful devotion...I pay a lot of attention to detail but this reminds me to apply that same intensity to my level of faith...worry gets me every time...especially kids/grandkids.
...look into mindful breathing...
,,,stop breathing like a "dying person"
....learn to breathe like God intended you to...
...it is amazing how do so brings one to living in the "moment...