Stan and I were again at the usual place for breakfast and conversation about our faith. As we were enjoying the breakfast Cook had prepared for us, Stan asked, “Do you remember the story of the blind guy named Bartimaeus?”
“Bartimaeus?” I replied. “Wasn’t he the one Jesus asked what he wanted Jesus to do for him?”
“He is,” Stan agreed, “and when he told Jesus that he wanted to be healed of his blindness, that’s what Jesus did.”
“Why do you mention him?” I asked.
“I was focusing on that story earlier this morning in my journaling time,” Stan replied, “and I was wondering what we’re supposed to do if we don’t know what we want Jesus to do for us.”
“Did you any come to any conclusion?”
“I’m still thinking about it,” Stan replied, “but one possible answer is what we’ve talked about before.”
“What’s that?”
“About how God knows what I need before I ask Him,” Stan replied. “If I don’t know what I want God to do for me, maybe I should just ask Him for what He knows I need!”
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Bible verses to consider:
And answering him, Jesus said, “What do you want Me to do for you?” And the blind man said to Him, “Rabboni, I want to regain my sight!” And Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he received his sight and began following Him on the road. Mark 10:51-52.
. . . your Father knows what you need, before you ask Him. Matthew 6:8.
Prayer: Thank you, Father, for giving Jesus and His finished work on the cross as the way to life with you, the ilife that begins here and will continue forever. Even though I know I will spend eternity in your presence, I confess that often while I remain on this side of eternity what I ask of you may not be what you know I need. Please forgive that foolish way of praying and help me follow every step of your lead in only asking for what you know I need for an ever-deepening closer walk with you. Thank you I can and do bring these prayers before you in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Think on this: Have you asked God for what He knows you need for life with Him? If no, why do you choose to remain separated from Him both now and forever? If you are a Christian with the assurance of salvation and redemption, how are you doing with asking God for what He knows you need, rather than just for what you want, which may or may not be the same as what He knows you need? If you sense the desire for change with any of this, how is that change going to happen? Is that what you truly want? Why or why not?
The need: Since God knows what we need before we ask Him (Matthew 6:8), what does He know you need to ask Him for, rather than asking Him for what you want, which may or may not be the same thing? Spend time studying God’s word, praying, reflecting, and journaling about what God knows you need. He will show you!
Forward: Do you know others who would or could benefit from this devotional? If so, why not forward it and open them to be part of the conversation between Stan and S. Tory Teller?