There is a short told episode in the bible (Mark 10:46-52) in which Jesus is traveling and comes across a blind man named Bartimaeus. The man hears that Jesus is coming and he shouts out for Him. The crowd tries to quiet the man so he shouted louder. Jesus called for the man to come forward so the crowd told the man to go as Jesus was calling him. The man threw off his coat and went to Jesus and told him that he would like to see. Jesus said “Go, for your faith has healed you.” As I am understanding in those days and in that culture people with disabilities such as blindness wore a certain coat or robe so that others would know their physical hindrance. The point to this moment in history is the blind man had so much faith in Jesus as the Messiah that he removed the robe or coat before approaching Jesus because he knew he would be healed. He knew he would no longer need it.

Imagine having so much faith that you would put yourself in a vulnerable situation knowing that your faith would get you through.

When asked what the most important commandment was Jesus replied in Matthew 22:37-39 “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind. A second is equally important, Love your neighbor as yourself.” When we choose to love our creator and to love one another as commanded then we can be sure that our faith in God will prevail. It’s a choice that you have, not one of force or coercion, not one of required works or effort. I choose God. I choose faith. I choose eternal salvation. So no matter my trials and tribulations I know that God’s promise is my reward. I will follow Jesus’ example to the best of my ability, I will forgive and seek forgiveness and by His righteousness I will one day see those I have lost that chose their creator above themselves.

Folks, this world is a mess! It has become worse and worse as the years pass. Don’t you realize that we created the chaos. With our free will we made poor, selfish choices. Thank God for the sacrifice of His son, Jesus Christ, so that there truly can be a light at the end of the tunnel.