Friday's Challenge on Posted by Rebekah

I was listening to a podcast recently and they were discussing the story of the blind man.  If you read the story in the Bible in Luke 18:35, Jesus says this, “What wilt thou that I shall do unto thee?”

To us today in the culture and times that we live, doesn’t that seem like a silly question? I mean, the guy is obviously blind!  Who wouldn’t want to be healed of blindness and receive their sight?  

They explained that back in those times – being a beggar was actually considered an occupation.  Passerbys (unlike our culture today) would give to the beggars because they were commanded to give alms to the poor.  So beggars were actually doing a service to the community.  Interesting, isn’t it?  When the passerbys would give to the beggars, the beggars would stand up and offer polished prayers asking God to bless you and your family.  This fulfilled your religious duties.

So, when Jesus asked this blind man if he wanted to be healed, that was a very legitimate question.  Because if he said yes, he was giving up his profession – his way of life – his means to provide for himself.  To us-being healed, it would be a no-brainer.  To the blind man, it was a huge step of faith.  And it was Jesus asking this question – are you ready to take on the responsibility that comes with the grace of God?

Have you ever asked God for something?  What about healing of a broken relationship?  God, please heal my broken relationship!  But in reality, are you ready for the responsibility that comes on your part in that relationship?  Because great relationships just don’t happen.  God, please help me to get out of debt!  But are you ready to take on the responsibility of being obedient to God in giving Him the first 10% of your income?  Foregoing pleasure to make it happen?  God, please give me a ministry to serve You!  But are you ready for the responsibility that comes with the title?  Probably not.

You see, God will do these things for you.  But He first wants to see if you are ready for the responsibility.

So today’s challenge is count the cost before you ask for what you think you want.

God wants to know if you really want the responsibility – or just the grace.

Will you take the challenge?