Criticism Does Not Stop Faith
“Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, ‘Son of David, have mercy on me!’ … ‘What do you want me to do for you?’ Jesus asked him. The blind man said, ‘Rabbi, I want to see.’ ‘Go,’ said Jesus, ‘your faith has healed you.’ Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.” Mark 10:48, 51-52 NLT
In our walk with Christ, we will often find external voices that will try to silence our hope or question our persistence. Bartimaeus’ story shows us that the cry for a miracle is usually accompanied by the resistance of those who do not understand our need. True faith is not intimidated by what others might say or by social pressure; on the contrary, it uses opposition as a stepping stone to lift its prayer even more loudly toward the Master.
- The determination to seek Jesus Bartimaeus did not allow his condition as a beggar nor the crowd to prevent him from recognizing that Jesus was his only opportunity. Faith begins with an unwavering determination to reach the Savior, regardless of visible obstacles.
- Overcoming the voice of the crowd There will always be those, even within religious circles, who try to tell us to be quiet or that our request is not important. Ignoring negative criticism is essential to maintaining our focus on the source of our healing and provision.
- Clarity in the request When Jesus asked, “What do you want me to do for you?”, Bartimaeus did not hesitate. A faith that does not stop is a specific faith. We must learn to present our needs with honesty and clarity before the Lord, knowing that He delights in responding.
- Faith that produces action Jesus’ response confirmed that it was Bartimaeus’ faith that activated his miracle. Once healed, his faith did not stop there, but led him to follow Jesus. The faith that overcomes criticism is the same one that drives us to a life of constant discipleship.
Do not allow the opinions of others to dictate the intensity of your search for God. If the world asks you to be quiet, let your cry be “even louder.” The Lord is not indifferent to the voice of the one who trusts in Him above circumstances. Remember that your miracle does not depend on the approval of men, but on your faith in the power of Jesus Christ, who stops before the heart that seeks Him with sincerity.
“Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, ‘Son of David, have mercy on me!’ … ‘What do you want me to do for you?’ Jesus asked him. The blind man said, ‘Rabbi, I want to see.’ ‘Go,’ said Jesus, ‘your faith has healed you.’ Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.” Mark 10:48, 51-52 NLT
Think About It:
- What “voices” or criticisms have been asking me to “be quiet” and stop believing for my miracle?
- If Jesus were to ask me today, “What do you want me to do for you?”, do I have the clarity and faith to answer Him without hesitation?
- Identify a situation where you have yielded to social pressure and decide today to cry out louder to the Lord in prayer.