In a few weeks, I will have surgery to remove the cataracts in my eyes. When the doctor asked me which lens I’d like, I quickly said “I just want to be able to see like I do now,” meaning I am happy with my vision sans cataracts, of course. I shared that I wouldn’t mind if I still had to wear reading glasses.
Yet on the way home, I questioned my response. “Why did you settle for less? What if there’s a better choice? What if you don’t have to wear any contacts or glasses ever again?”
This idea seemed ludicrous to me. I’ve worn corrective lenses since I was five years old. I know no other life. Additionally, since my regular eye doctor repeatedly said that there was no promise that the surgery would eliminate the need for contacts, I figured this is all I should expect.
Not wanting to “leave any money on the table,” I reached out to the surgeon explaining my dilemma. He is sending me information on other options to make a final decision.
However, I am still baffled as to why I settled for less than the best. I didn’t allow myself to dream bigger. I couldn’t imagine not sticking a contact lens in my eye every morning ever again. I mean – is that even possible?
This situation is bringing to my mind all the people who Jesus healed during His ministry. Blind Bartimaeus is the one that’s front and center (Mark 10:46-52). As Jesus passed by, Bartimaeus cried out to Him asking for mercy. His shouts were immediately met with reproof from the crowd. I mean who is this beggar crying out to Jesus. Settle down there buddy!
But he didn’t listen. Instead he only shouted louder. Jesus heard him and asked what he wanted. Bartimaeus’ response was simple:
“The blind man said to Him, “Rabboni, that I may receive my sight.””
Notice he didn’t say, “Could you give me sight in one eye or could you just fix my eyes a little?” He didn’t even ask Jesus for money so he wouldn’t have to beg anymore. No, he was crystal clear – “I want to see perfectly.”
What does this tell us?
Bartimaeus believed that Jesus could restore his sight completely. He believed that whatever he asked Jesus that He would do. So why not ask Him for the very best? The impossible?
We know that Jesus did exactly that. We don’t hear about “Seeing Bartimaeus” again. I am confident he was no longer begging for money on the side of the road but rather singing the praises of the One who healed him.
Let’s take a lesson from our vision-challenged friend. Let’s be bold in asking God for what we need and want. (Spoiler – He already knows so….) As believers in Jesus, the Bible tells us that we can “come boldly before the throne of grace” (Hebrews 4:16) so there is no need to settle for second best.
What is God’s best for you? I guarantee you that it’s bigger and better than what you’re asking Him for (Jeremiah 29:11). And, I know that if you believe and stretch your faith, you will see the answer clearly.