A Secret Faith Is a Shallow Faith
By Rick Warren
“Jesus asked him, ‘What do you want me to do for you?’ The blind man answered, ‘Teacher, I want to see.’” Mark 10:51 (NCV)
When God gives you a goal, you need to go public with it. Announce your intention. State the change you want to make in your life. Explain what you’re asking God to do. You need to tell everybody, because a secret faith is a shallow faith.
Yesterday, we looked at the story of Bartimaeus, a man who was blind and unexpectedly encountered Jesus. When he realized Jesus was nearby, he cried out to get his attention. He demonstrated his faith publicly.
Mark 10:51 records Jesus’ reply: “Jesus asked him, ‘What do you want me to do for you?’ The blind man answered, ‘Teacher, I want to see’” (NCV).
Why in the world did Jesus ask this particular question? Surely he already knew what the man needed. The man was blind—a condition which, in that time and culture, made him an outcast with few options but to spend his days begging.
Still, Jesus walked over to the man and asked, “What do you want me to do for you?” Didn’t he already know what Bartimaeus needed? Couldn’t he read his mind, or even just see the man’s obvious need? Absolutely.
But Jesus asked the question for Bartimaeus’ benefit. By asking that question, he allowed Bartimaeus to publicly announce his faith. Bartimaeus said, “I want to see” (Mark 10:51 NCV). In other words, Bartimaeus wanted Jesus to heal him.
You don’t ask Jesus to heal you unless you believe he can do it. Bartimaeus believed Jesus was who he said he was—that Jesus could and would change him. It was a statement of faith.
Here’s the amazing thing. Jesus asks you the very same question: “What do you want me to do for you?” He asks it every day.
God wants to use you. He wants to bless you. He wants to do incredible things in your life. But when Jesus asks what he can do for you, you have to answer in faith.
How can you answer in faith? One way is by setting a goal. Every time you set a goal, it is actually a statement of faith.
You should also announce your goal publicly. The more people who know, the more support, encouragement, prayer, and accountability you’ll have. A public announcement also demonstrates the depth of your faith; if you want to make a major change in your life and you keep it to yourself, your faith is simply shallow.
As you announce your goal, remember that only God knows the future. So when you say, “I’m going to do this,” remember to add the phrase “if it’s God’s will.”
When Jesus asks you, “What do you want me to do for you?” be ready with your answer. And then be ready to publicly share it in faith.
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