Bartimaeus didn’t wait for Jesus to come to him. He cried out, louder and louder, until Jesus stopped. His faith was expressed in his desperation and his decision to approach.

Faith begins with a choice—a deliberate decision to approach God. Bartimaeus was blind, marginalized, and likely discouraged. But when he heard that Jesus was passing by, he refused to stay silent. He cried out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” (Mark 10:47). Even when others tried to silence him, he persisted.

This is the kind of faith that moves God. Romans 10:13 says, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” But calling requires conviction. It’s not casual—it’s desperate, intentional, and persistent.

Bartimaeus didn’t just believe Jesus could heal—he acted on that belief by calling out. His faith was vocal and visible. And Jesus responded, saying, “Your faith has healed you.”

Faith that approaches God is not passive. It’s the kind that says, “I will not let this moment pass me by.” It’s the kind that pushes through the crowd, through discouragement, through delay. It’s the kind that believes God hears and responds.

When you choose to approach God—whether in prayer, worship, or obedience—you’re demonstrating faith. You’re saying, “I believe You are who You say You are, and I believe You will do what You’ve said You’ll do.”

So today, don’t wait for perfect conditions. Don’t wait for someone else to go first. Approach God boldly. Cry out. Call upon Him. He is near to all who call on Him in truth (Psalm 145:18).

Prayer

Lord, I choose to approach You today with boldness and faith. Like Bartimaeus, I will not be silent. I believe You hear me, and I believe You respond. Help me to persist in calling upon You, knowing that You are faithful. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Reflection Question

What area of your life requires you to call upon God with boldness and persistence today?