Read: Luke 18:18-43

By: Pastor Nathan Rogers

“It is not enough to begin to pray, nor to pray alright; nor is it enough to continue for a time to pray; but we must patiently, believing, continue in prayer until we obtain an answer.” – George Mueller

One of the quickest lessons you learn as a parent is that a child can be very persistent.  The Center for A New American Dream reports children 12 and 13 are the most likely to pursue this aggressive “nag factor” strategy.

The average young person asks 9 times before parents give in. 11% of 12-13 year old’s admit to asking more than 50 times for items they’ve seen advertised.  50 TIMES!

I know from experience. Distractions or even loud noise won’t stop my kids from trying to get my attention.

Outside the town of Jericho lived a blind man who, for his entire life, begged for old, crusty pieces of bread just to survive. Begged.

Every day he would grab the attention of people passing by his way hoping they would show pity and give him some of what they had.  Normally, it wasn’t much, crumbs, most days at best. He was the poorest of poor—just laying by the road hoping and calling out.  Can you hear him?  “Alms for the blind!” “Alms for the blind!”  Somehow he scrounged up enough to survive.

But today was different. It wasn’t his usual, somewhat quiet day.  Today, there was a large, noisy crowd passing by. Being blind, he asked what was happening.  Someone explained that it was Jesus of Nazareth passing by.

Having faith, without seeing, he cried out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”  The crowd attempted to hush him, but he persisted, again shouting, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”

Jesus stopped. I picture him turning around, looking directly at the man. He had the man brought to him and asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?” A simple question, but oh so much potential!  The blind beggar, answered as honestly and sincerely as he possibly could.  “Lord, I want to see.”  And just like that, through his faith, he gained his sight.

He got up, this time seeing exactly where he was going, and began praising the Lord!

You see, this man had the faith to believe Jesus could heal him even when he could not see him. He was persistent and bold and asked for exactly what he wanted.  And through his faith, he was healed.  So today, I challenge you, if you have been waiting, without seeing the whole picture, persistently asking and begging for something greater, keep asking.  Keep persisting.  Jesus hears you; He sees you.  And He is ready, in His time, to meet your need even when you aren’t expecting it.