In Chapter 10 of the Gospel of Mark, we read an account of a blind man named Bartimaeus who hears that Jesus of Nazareth is passing by. He immediately cries out, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" (v. 47) Then the Scripture says, "Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more." (v. 48) We discover in the next verse that Jesus stops in His tracks and says, "Tell the man to come here." (v. 49) I have read this account many times, but this was the first time that the Holy Spirit highlighted the next sentence for me - "So they called the blind man, saying, 'Cheer up! Get to your feet. JESUS IS CALLING YOU.'"

I was feeling somewhat down and discouraged at the time, and the Lord knew that I needed some special encouragement. Here, He was telling me to cheer up, because He was calling me by name, and He was asking me the same question that Mark recorded Jesus saying in verse 51: "What do you want Me to do for you?" I knew in my heart that this was a precious opportunity from the Lord. He didn't want me feeling sorry for myself. He didn't want me to be sad or disheartened. He wanted me to pray, and to ask Him for the desires of my heart, no matter how "impossible" they seemed to me at the moment. What did blind Bartimaeus ask Jesus for? The restoration of his sight. Jesus didn't tell him, "That's too hard," or "That's a very selfish request." No. Jesus restored the man's sight immediately, and as a result, he "followed Jesus along the road." (v. 52)

What about you? What would YOU say to the Savior if He asked what He could do for you? Today, I am urging you - "Cheer up! Get to your feet. JESUS IS CALLING YOU!"

Prayer: Lord, when I am feeling disheartened or discouraged, help me to turn to You, and to pour out my heart to You. Remind me often of Your promise which says, "Ask and keep on asking and you will receive, so that your joy may be full and complete." (John 16:24 AMP) Guard me from doubt and despair when the answers to my prayers don't come as quickly as I would like. Thank You for calling me by name, for giving me the desires of my heart - and for cheering me up when I need it most!