Saturday, August 15

Today’s Readings: Psalm 15; 2 Samuel 19:1-23; Mark 10:42-52; Acts 27:9-20; Psalm 114

Recently I was talking with a person about struggles they were having with a step-child. The step-child had done something very hurtful to the individual’s spouse a while ago and the individual was having a hard time forgiving the step-child. As we talked the situation through the individual concluded that all she could do was ask for God to change her heart toward the step-child. “That’s part of the equation,” I said. “The other part would be for you to have the openness and willingness to have your heart changed in the first place.” What I meant by that is so often we will take our issues to God and expect God to take care of the issues FOR us. Today’s Gospel reading from Mark reminds us that’s not exactly how things work. More often than not, God works WITH us to help address the issues at hand. When the blind man came to Jesus to request healing, for instance, Jesus didn’t take care of his request FOR the man. Instead, he noted that he worked WITH the man. The collaborative nature of Jesus’ action was revealed through Jesus’ words when he said: “On your way. Your faith has saved and healed you” (Mark 10:52 from The Message). As you examine your own life, I would ask, “What is your approach to seeking God’s assistance/presence.” Do you go to God assuming God will do things FOR you, or do you go to God assuming God will do things WITH you? Til next time…