Overcoming barriers to come to Jesus is often the norm. One of my friends grew up as a Hindu on an island off the coast of Central America. As a young person, no one ever told him about Jesus. Then when he was about fourteen years old, someone witnessed to him about Jesus, and he became a believer. When he told his family about his decision, he was beaten and thrown out of his home and could not return. He indeed picked up the cross to follow Jesus. As an adult, he has spent his life as a missionary telling others about the Good News of Jesus.
Being Persistent Helps Us Over Barriers
In the days of Jesus, there was no safety net for the disabled. The only way for the handicapped to make a living was by begging. Bartimaeus, a blind man, begged along the route to Jericho that Jesus used. Can you imagine his excitement as He knew a healer was close by?
Mark 10:47 When Bartimaeus heard that Jesus of Nazareth was nearby, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” 48 “Be quiet!” many of the people yelled at him. But he only shouted louder, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” 49 When Jesus heard him, he stopped and said, “Tell him to come here.”
So they called the blind man. “Cheer up,” they said. “Come on, he’s calling you!” 50 Bartimaeus threw aside his coat, jumped up, and came to Jesus. 51 “What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked. “My Rabbi,” the blind man said, “I want to see!” 52 And Jesus said to him, “Go, for your faith has healed you.” Instantly the man could see, and he followed Jesus down the road. [1]
Faith in Jesus Helps Us Overcome the Barriers of Life
Bartimaeus was blind, but that did not stop him from calling out to Jesus for mercy. The crowd told him to be quiet, but that did not stop Him from calling out even louder. Overcoming barriers often takes persistence, and Bartimaeus did not give up. Jesus did heal him by giving him sight. Bartimaeus’ faith had resulted in him receiving his sight. Bartimaeus could see physically, but many around Jesus were spiritually blind.
Helping Others Overcome Barriers
There is something about overcoming a barrier in our life to come to Jesus that gives us insight that may help others overcome the same obstacle. How many recovered drug addicts have led people to Jesus? Many people who came to faith in prison now can lead other prisoners to the Lord. As we trust the Lord, we can move from being a victim to victor.
You can navigate life’s deepest and darkest valleys and walk high on the mountain with God. As a Christian, it’s essential not to let the obstacles in life tear you away from your faith. Instead, these are the moments where you need faith the most. If despair is a barrier, don’t let yourself give up. Reach out and call God’s name just like Bartimaeus.
To hear about overcoming barriers to come to Jesus, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/mark-i-once-was-blind
[1] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Mk 10:47–52). Tyndale House Publishers.