It is Appropriate to Ask People How You Can Help - day 18

It is Appropriate to Ask People How You Can Help

Mark 10: 51-52
51 "What do you want me to do for you?" Jesus asked him. The blind man said, "Rabbi, I want to see."
52 "Go," said Jesus, "your faith has healed you." Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.

There is so much we can learn from Jesus. Sometimes it is just astounding. In the tenth chapter of the Gospel of Mark, a blind man cries out to Jesus for mercy. Jesus calls the man over and asks, “What do you want me to do for you?” Let’s remember that Jesus is the Son of God. I am sure that Jesus knew exactly how the blind man wanted to be helped. So why did He decide to ask the question?

On the one hand, Jesus is giving this blind man a chance to express his request in faith. In so doing, God is glorified and both the blind man’s faith and the faith of all who watched would be increased. They would glorify God because of God’s powerful answer to that prayer. We also remember that in relation to us, Jesus is not only our Savior; He is also the best role model we could ever have. When we see how He lived, we desire to imitate and learn from Him.

When I see Jesus reaching out to this man and asking how He can help him, I look at my life and I think, “Maybe I, too, should be asking people how I can help them.” See, none of us had all the knowledge and power that Jesus has, so if we are going to figure out how we are to love our neighbor as ourselves, we are going to have to ask some questions. Have you ever been having a really bad day; but you managed to act normal so no one knew something was wrong? Other people know how to do that, too. Maybe they won’t let themselves be helped until someone comes to them and asks point blank how they can help them. Have you ever had a whole lot of stress in your life; but you managed to leave it at home rather than wear it on your sleeve wherever you went? Well, other people can do that one, too. Maybe the people you see all the time – who look like they’re doing just fine – are really struggling. Maybe you could vastly improve their lives through your generosity. I tell you what, there’s only one way to find out.

Today’s Generosity Challenge:
Again, find someone in your church to help. Not sure who? Ask your Pastor. Find someone with a health issue, a marital problem, or is a single parent. This time, find out what the one, breakthrough act of generosity could be for that person. And no matter how big or small – prayerfully find a way to succeed. Recruit others, have a fundraiser, think big – go for it. If God is for you, who could be against you? Oh yeah, write down your experiences, in detail. Don’t leave anything out in the area below.

About Michael Stickler

Mike is an author, radio host, and a highly sought after motivational speaker. His best-selling book, A Journey to Generosity, is widely acclaimed throughout the Christian community. He is the publisher of Generous Living Magazine and writes for the Christian Post, 'A Generous Life' column.