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Hope Rises Us Up! Pt. 4

Hope Leads Us Through Tough Times

If you would like to extend this over a week, you can easily do one of the points each day of your devotion.  Here is a printable version.
There are times when we feel like we are sitting on the side of the road while the world passes us by.  We may feel discouraged, disillusioned, and ready to quit.  But Jesus is ready to offer an opportunity if we put our trust in Him.  In this study, we will look at how Jesus took Bartimaeus from being a blind beggar sitting on the side of the road to a person who was following Jesus on the road.  Jesus wants to do the same for us.  Whatever is keeping us sitting on the side of the road, Jesus can heal if we put the problem in His hands and trust in Him.  This study looks at five steps we need to take if we want to get a new START.

Open up with a prayer each day.

Monday

1. Take hold of the moment.

Mark 10:46-47 - Then they came to Jericho.  As Jesus and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city, a blind man, Bartimaeus (that is, the Son of Timaeus), was sitting by the roadside begging. 47 When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!"

According to Mark 10:46-47, what did Bartimaeus do when he heard Jesus going by?  ________________________________________________________________________________________________
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Luke 9:62 - Jesus replied, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God."

In Luke 9:62, what does Jesus say about looking back? _________________________________________
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How does this speak to the idea of seizing the moment?  _______________________________________
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Tuesday

 2.  Overcome your fears.

Mark 10:48 - Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me!"

Read Mark 10:48.  What does this verse say Bartimaeus did when he was told to be quiet?  ________________________________________________________________________________________________

What are some examples of when people can get fearful, especially when it comes to fear of others' opinion?  _______________________________________________________________________________
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Whose disapproval do we fear the most?  These fears are often the gods in our lives.  __________________________________________________________________________________________________
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Proverbs 29:25 - Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.

Read Proverbs 29:25.  What does this verse say fear does? ____________________________________
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How can we be protected from it?  _____________________________________________________________
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Discuss how Christ followers can let the promises of God release their paralysis due to others' opinions. _______________________________________________________________________________________
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Wednesday

3.  Announce your faith.

Mark 10:51 - "What do you want me to do for you?" Jesus asked him.  The blind man said, "Rabbi, I want to see."

In Mark 10:51 - what was the response of Bartimaeus to Jesus's question, "What do you want me to do for you?"  ____________________________________________________________________________
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Why does Jesus ask Bartimaeus this question?  ________________________________________________
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Thursday

4.  Publicize your faith.  

Mark 10:52 - "Go," said Jesus, "your faith has healed you."  Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.

According to Jesus in Mark 10:52a, what made the blind man see?  ____________________________
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How does faith help believers receive more of God's grace?  ___________________________________
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Friday

5.  Take the next step.

Mark 10:52 - "Go," said Jesus, "your faith has healed you.  Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.

What happened according to Mark 10:52b?  ____________________________________________________
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Discuss the various steps a Christ follower can take so they are no longer sitting beside the road but following Jesus. _____________________________________________________________________________
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James 2:14 - What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds?  Can such faith save him?  

Read James 2:14.  What does this verse say about a faith that does nothing?  ________________________________________________________________________________________________
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Why is it important to understand that works alone will not be sufficient?  ________________________________________________________________________________________________
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Every Christ follower needs to take a next step and act.  For some, this may be baptism.  For others, it may be to take the next steps to learn and grow.  For many, it may be to serve and minister to others.  It's only in our relationship with God that we receive His gift and take the next step.  All of us can begin today.  How can you ask Jesus to help you take the next step of faith in your journey?  Share with others what your next step might be.

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