The Son of God came into the world for a noble mission: to teach us how to come before the Father and receive everything we need. More than two thousand years ago, on the outskirts of Jericho, a blind beggar named Bartimaeus did not allow himself to be discouraged by those who said he had been abandoned by everyone. On the contrary, when he heard about Jesus, he felt loved by Him, so he cried out until he was heard. Bartimaeus was answered only when his faith grew. Faith comes by hearing the Word of God (Romans 10:17)!

         The impatient need to learn not to be dominated by anything except the Holy Spirit (Proverbs 14:29). King Saul showed impatience after his coronation and let temptations take control. As a result, he saw all sorts of unclean things operating in him. The saved need to understand Jesus' warning to watch and pray (Matthew 26:41), so that the same thing does not happen to them!

         The prophet Samuel had set a day and time to meet with Saul, but the king lost patience with him for not yet arriving and made the foolish decision to take the position reserved for the priest. Thus, he offered the sacrifice, for his people were abandoning him (1 Samuel 13:1-14). When he arrived, the prophet heard the monarch's explanation and told him that he had acted foolishly and that because he had not kept God's command, his kingdom would be taken from him and given to another. Obey!

         The men who demanded that Bartimaeus stop crying out were ordered to fetch him, and they did so. They saw that the Master's lack of response was so that the man's faith would grow to the point of receiving healing. Therefore, never hinder anyone from seeking God, for you will be guilty and held responsible for what happens to that life. Now, when you hear a command from the Lord, be sure to obey it; otherwise, you will be against His plan!

         Elijah was an example that perseverance in crying out leads to success. After proving that only the Lord is God and destroying the 450 prophets of Baal and the 400 of Asherah, considered the goddess of idol poles (Jeremiah 17:2), the prophet climbed the mountain for his greatest test: he had promised that he would stop the rain and then send it again. However, he prayed seven times for his word to be fulfilled (1 Kings 18). Promises are fulfilled in due time!

         People often think that everything is easy for us Christians; that we only need to pray for our requests to be answered. However, if we are far from God or do not act in faith, nothing will happen. Elijah had told King Ahab to go up and eat, because the rain was on its way (1 Kings 18:41,42). The prophet knelt down and prayed with faith, according to all that had been told him, but the sky remained clear, and the rain did not come. He had to insist!

         Imagine the pressure the devil put on him to keep the rain from falling! Elijah prayed, and his assistant went to see if there was any sign of rain. Then it came to pass the seventh time, that he said, “There is a cloud, as small as a man’s hand, rising out of the sea!” So he said, “Go up, say to Ahab, ‘Prepare your chariot, and go down before the rain stops you.’” (1 Kings 18.44). Believe!

In Christ, with love,

          R. R. Soares.