FAITH CAPSULE: Give self to His word of deliverance and preservation.

2 Chronicles 18: 28-34, Mark 10:46-52

How are you looking up to God in your time of challenge? With self-deception, King Ahab failed himself while Bartimaeus sought God to avoid failure.
The Case of Ahab:
At the time of war, Ahab the King of Israel invited Jehoshaphat the King of Judah to join forces against Ramoth Gilead. When it was time to go to war, Ahab rejected true prophesy of Micaiah’s against going to war. Ahab listened to deceiving prophecy of his chosen by speaking Jehoshaphat, “…I will disguise myself and go into battle, but you put on your robes.” So, the king of Israel disguised himself, and they went into battle.” (2 Chronicles 18:29)
King Ahab despised the truth from God’s prophet to disguised himself at war. Proverbs 13:13 warned against despising God’s word: “He who despises the word will be destroyed, But he who fears the commandment will be rewarded.” King Ahab’s plan at war turned out against his plan. King Jehoshaphat did not disguise but depended on God. As the battle intensified Jehoshaphat was surrounded by the enemies as recorded: “…when the captains of the chariots saw Jehoshaphat, that they said, “It is the king of Israel!” Therefore, they surrounded him to attack; but Jehoshaphat cried out, and the LORD helped him, and God diverted them from him.” (2Chronicles 18:31)
There is no way for salvation in life when one is despising the word of God and not know to be calling on God as savior. In a time of challenges cry out to God and give self to His word of deliverance and preservation.
The case of Bartimaeus:
Bartimaeus’ challenges called for Jesus’ attention when he cried out to Jesus. At the time of Jesus’ movement to a different location, Bartimaeus was at the right location where to cry out loud for mercy. It could be that it is time for you to identify your challenge which demands a loud cry to God. At your crying out, know to ignore the multitude that surrounds you. Today, cry out loud to Jesus for divine intervention.
In your crying out, call Him as you know Him not as you know about Him. Bartimaeus demonstrated that he did not just know about Jesus, but he called out as one that knows Him. The ignorance of the crowd that followed Jesus attempted to stop Bartimaeus from calling out. Bartimaeus’ knowledge of Jesus’ identity which was not common granted him the attention of Jesus. Bartimaeus cried out as stated: “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Do you know Him enough to call Him to a standstill and have Him attend to you? In the calling of Bartimaeus, “…Jesus stood still and commanded Him to be called” (Mark 10:49) The Blind man received his sight and followed Jesus on the road. (Mark 11:52) Jehoshaphat did not disguise but cried out loud and was saved.

Prayer for today: Ask God to open you understand and know to live right for His glory.