What Do You Want HIM To Do For You?

‘“Go,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.’
Mark 10:52

In Monday’s hub one of the things that struck me was a question Sam posed:

If Mark 10:46-52 (above) was the only verse in the Bible, what would you think about God?

Here Jesus is walking with His disciples with a large crowd when a beggar Bartimaeus calls out for Jesus to stop and have mercy on him. After Bartimaeus shouted out couple of times, Jesus asks that he be brought to Him. When Bartimaeus is in front of Him, Jesus asks ‘What do you want me to do for you?’. Bartimaeus asks Jesus to allow him to see again. Jesus grants his wish and says ‘your faith has healed you’. Immediately Bartimaeus received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.

How powerful is this notion?

Jesus heard Bartimaeus over the din that must have been going on in the crowd, despite the fact that He was busy and on his way out of the city. Jesus always makes time for us and always hears us, no matter what is going on elsewhere, no matter who He is with or talking to, we are always a priority for Him.
Jesus asks what Bartimaeus wants Him to do. He doesn’t make an assumption, nor does He silently help us. He wants our interaction and for us to speak to Him.
It isn’t just the fact that Jesus healed Bartimaeus’ sight, but that his faith in Jesus healed him. As long as we show our faith in Jesus, He will always answer our prayer.
Lastly Bartimaeus, rather than going about his own business once healed, he goes on to follow Jesus and become a disciple.

So, that being said what do you want Him to do for you, for the church here at Barking Riverside? Close your eyes and have that conversation with Him, listen to what your heart is drawn to. And pray for that. It doesn’t have to be a massive miraculous thing like, curing blindness. Some of us in yesterday’s meeting had some incredible examples of big things God has done for them or in their lives, but for some His presence has more of a day to day impact. But rest assured He is always listening and working for us, even if we don’t know it at the time.

For me personally, I would like a safe place for my husband and I to raise our daughter. Despite regular stories of bullying once the school gates close at Riverside School, I know God is here with us and there will be a solution born out of us as a community working with the school and parents to bring about change to make sure all children feel safe in Barking Riverside.

For the Church at Barking Riverside I pray that He allows us to reach as many people here to help and deliver hope in every household through Him. I also pray that we can grow our youth group through creative expression; a band, a choir, a podcast, an amateur drama. Whatever it is, I pray we as a church are seen as a safe haven for children of all ages to express themselves through faith.

So, I pose the question once again, what do you want Him to do for you?

If there is something that God has put in your heart for us as a church or the community, please feel free to share it with us here, or if there is something you would like us to bear in mind along our listening journey, please don’t hesitate to get in touch here. You can also get more information about Church at Barking Riverside and how to get involved here or check out our social platforms