Today's Scripture:

Mark 10:46-52 Then they came to Jericho. As Jesus and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city, a blind man, Bartimaeus (which means “son of Timaeus”), was sitting by the roadside begging. When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” So they called to the blind man, “Cheer up! On your feet! He’s calling you.” Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus. “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.

Read: Reflect on a story in your life that pertains to this scripture.
Jesus knows my heart and my faith in Him. He knows I trust Him, and He knows best which way I should go. He is in tune to those who seek Him out in faith to heal and bring peace. He hears and sees them. I need to go to Him first before trying to fix myself or depend on others.

Reflect: What is this scripture telling you during this season?
There was a period of about 5 years here recently in which one thing right after another happened. My mother was diagnosed with cancer in 2016. Our house was flooded from Harvey in 2017. My Father died in 2018. I fell skiing in 2019 and tore my ACL and had surgery. And, then the covid pandemic happened, and my mother died in 2020. It was a rough 5 years, but I had faith Jesus would carry me through. Just like in the story, the blind man cried out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me.”, I called out to Jesus to have mercy and take these burdens away, heal me, heal my parents, and make things better. The blind man was persistent and so was I. I was not rebuked nor told to be quiet like the blind man was but kept calling in faith. Jesus knew the blind man’s heart and his faith and called for him. Jesus asked, “What do you want me to do?” As I went through these series of trials, I kept hearing Jesus ask me,” What do you want me to do?” I was not shy or afraid. Just like the blind man said, “I want to see.”, I told Him straight out as I was full of great plans and ideas. Jesus knew his heart and his true faith and healed his blindness. I cannot say Jesus followed all my great plans and ideas, but He healed me, took my parents to heaven and fixed our house. I trusted Him through it all and looked towards Him in faith for guidance and received comfort, peace and strength. My sight was even restored to look beyond all the obstacles in front of me to Him and feel peace and joy in His presence. As it says in Hebrews 11:1, “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”

Respond: How is this scripture calling you to respond?
I am aware of and listen to others in my life that may be going through a rough time and who may be looking in the wrong direction for healing, peace and strength. I can tell them my story and the story of Jesus healing the blind man because he sought out Jesus in faith. The blind man knew Jesus was the only way to be healed and Jesus knew his faith and his heart and healed him. It is as if the blind man had been waiting for Jesus. We, too, can wait for Him to act.

About Tami Plummer:
I am a native Texan and grew up in San Antonio. I graduated from the University of Texas with both a BBA and MBA back in the 80s. I have lived in Houston now for over 30 years and have been married to Jim for 29 years. I am an independent Financial Advisor. Jim and I enjoy traveling, skiing, hiking, national parks, hunting, sports and many other outdoor activities.
I started coming to Grace in 2006 and joined as a covenant partner in 2008. I have been in involved in the women’s Bible study since the inception of Women in the Word in 2006 which is now Inspire, serving as both a small group leader and in overall leadership. I have served as an elder, trustee, and on the endowment committee.