Bold Faith [Blind Faith] Devotions Day 1

The Courage to Call Out

Devotional
In the bustling streets of Jericho, a blind man named Bartimaeus sat begging by the roadside. When he heard Jesus was passing by, he didn't hesitate—he shouted at the top of his lungs, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" Even when the crowd tried to silence him, he called out all the more. How often do we find ourselves silenced by the crowd? Maybe it's the voice of doubt in our own minds, the pressure of social expectations, or even well-meaning friends who don't understand our desperate need for Jesus. Like Bartimaeus, we face opposition when we try to reach out to Jesus. But what made Bartimaeus extraordinary wasn't his blindness—it was his boldness. He refused to be silenced. He knew Jesus was his only hope, and he was willing to risk public ridicule to get His attention. The beautiful part? Jesus stopped everything He was doing when He heard Bartimaeus call. In the middle of a crowd, just days before His crucifixion, Jesus paused for one persistent man who refused to be quiet. Today, you might feel like the world is telling you to tone down your faith, to stop being so "religious," to keep your relationship with Jesus private. But bold faith requires a persistent pursuit—a willingness to call out to Jesus even when voices around you (or within you) say to be quiet.

Bible Verse
When Jesus heard him, he stopped and said, “Tell him to come here.” So they called the blind man. “Cheer up,” they said. “Come on, he’s calling you!” - Mark 10:49

Reflection Question
What voices or circumstances are trying to silence your cries to Jesus today, and what would it look like for you to call out to Him even more boldly despite them?

Quote 
I want to encourage you today. Call out to Jesus even louder. If you hear voices like that, whether it's a person saying this to you or the enemy whispering or even shouting it to you, you call out to Jesus even louder.

Prayer
Lord Jesus, give me the courage of Bartimaeus to call out to You even when voices try to silence me. Help me recognize that You always stop for those who persistently seek You. Remove any fear that keeps me from boldly pursuing You. Amen.