When You Don't See Jesus (Mk. 10:46-52) (Part 1)

Introduction:

Read Mark 10:46-52.

The catalyst in the story of Bartimaeus is that he couldn't see. Reading the story, we discover that . . .

• His hearing seemed to be fine.
• His voice seemed to be strong.
• He wasn't afraid to defy the crowd.
• His mobility wasn't limited.
• He wasn't afraid to respond appropriately to Jesus' grace.

Strong as Bartimaeus was in many ways, one thing limited him:  he couldn't see. That means he couldn't see Jesus.

Aren't there times in life when you don't “see” Jesus in your circumstances or surroundings? In most areas of life you are strong, but in that “one area” your temporary inability to “see” Jesus can strip mine your strength and joy.

You've been around long enough to know that you don't quit on Jesus when you don't “see” Him in your circumstances. You don't “see” Him, but that doesn't mean He isn't there, right? Deuteronomy 31:6 tells you as much. (“He will not fail you or forsake you.”)  In Matthew 28:20, Jesus promised that He would be “with you always.”

Other than quoting Bible verses, which is a great place to start, what should you do when you don't

“see” Jesus in your circumstances? When you don't “see” Jesus in your circumstances, you should exercise and strengthen your faith. Remind yourself of truth that you know. In other words, affirm your faith.

In this series of posts, I want to address this subject: affirmations that strengthen your faith.