STEP UP TO THE NEW

And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Mark 10: 47

REFERENCE
Mark 10:46-52

In life, we often find ourselves in situations where all we crave for is something new and different from our present reality. This was the case with Blind Bartimaeus in today’s account. He had been a blind beggar for perhaps, his whole life. His life was predictable, totally dependent on people’s goodwill, and locked in the vice grip of monotony – same old story. Tired and frustrated with the stagnation, Bartimaeus desired a change, something new and different from all he had ever known. So, when he got the opportunity for a change of story, he went after it like a desperate hunter.

It is not enough to desire a new thing or a change in your situation – career change, marital or parental status change, financial change, academic change, etc., like Blind Bartimaeus you must pursue change and step up to the new for it to happen. Here are vital lessons to glean from Bartimaeus’ story:

1.     Hunger for the new – Everything in life answers to hunger. Jesus said, “Blessed are those who thirst and hunger…they shall be filled” (Matthew 5:6). Bartimaeus cried out to Jesus despite opposition and discomfort. What will you do to show your hunger for a change in the days to come?

2.     Refuse to give up – Don’t quit; they told Bartimaeus to be quiet; he refused and pressed in further for his miracle. God’s crown is always for finishers. Don’t stop expressing your earnest desire to God in prayer.

3.     Throw the old away – Bartimaeus threw his begging garment aside when he went to Jesus because he knew he wouldn’t need it again. Begin to cut off certain associations that represent the old you want to move away from. Cast off in prayers, the old salary, old shame, old level, old hurt and pain you are leaving behind.

4.     Identify your new level – Bartimaeus told Jesus, “All this noise and desperation and repositioning is that I may receive my sight.” What new thing do you expect to see in your life this year? What will be your big testimony?

5.     Switch on your faith – Jesus told Bartimaeus, “Your faith has made you well.” Without faith, it is impossible to please God. Don’t be a spectator in life, live with an expectation believing each day will be your day; and indeed, your faith will make you well!

6.     An appeal to mercy – Bartimaeus came with an appeal for mercy because he knew he couldn’t get healed by his merits. Ultimately, to step up to the new, you must appeal to the mercy of God, not your merits. Mercy qualifies you for what you don’t have a merit for and refuses to let you go through the consequence of your actions or bad decisions.

PHOTO QUOTE

ADDITIONAL STUDY
Proverbs 23:18, Isaiah 43:18-19, & I Corinthians 9:24

PRAYER

Father, I come to you for a change of story, a change of name, a change of location, a change of health, marital and parental status, of position and of experience. Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me! Let Your mercy go before me, with me and behind me; let it usher in Your favor in my life in Jesus’ name.