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“And he, casting away his garment, rose, and came to Jesus.” Mark 10:50. In this passage blind Bartimaeus was sitting at the gate begging just like any other day; however, this day was different because he heard Jesus was in town. Beggars were summoned to wear “beggars’ garments” during this time so that anyone who passed by knew they were a legitimate beggar and could therefore give to them. Bartimaeus took his garment and cast it away when he heard Jesus drawing closer – he expected that he would be healed that day! How many of us can truly say we wake up each day with expectation in our hearts? God looks for people with expectation because He knows there is a fire within that He can use as a reflection of His glory, mercy and power.

Do you pray, sow and praise in expectation that as Jesus passes us by today miracles, healing and joy flow from His footsteps? “And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole. And immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus in the way.” Mark 10:52. Bartimaeus’ healing did not come by him sitting still in silence, his healing came when he had the bravery to believe in the power of Jesus! The act of throwing off that beggar’s garment signified his faith and the expectation he had that God was going to do something BIG in his life that day! What are you expecting? When I think about the power of expectation, I think of the game show The Price is Right. Stay with me here.

 I used to watch this show with my Great Grandmother every day during the summer and one phrase they use all throughout the show is “You are the next contestant on the Price is Right…. come on down!” It is always my favorite part to see the lucky contestant’s reaction when they hear their name called. In my thirty years of watching that show there was never a time when the contestant came down with their head sunk down in a somber. It was quite the opposite! When they heard their name they jumped for joy, high-fived their neighbor, yelled, skipped and ran with all their might in EXPECTATION that they would be the next to win a prize!

When God called me into ministry, I was excited to see what He had in store but am the first to admit I didn’t come jumping for joy. It was a scary calling that I am still wrapping my mind around, but He reminds me each day that to receive all He has in store for my life and the life of my family I must wake each day with an expectant heart willing to serve, learn and share with others. We must all be willing to shake off our garment of mediocracy to receive the true miracles God has as He simply passes by.

God has called us all to rise and fulfill the purpose He has set forth…. are you willing to shake off that beggar’s garment and stand with anticipation when called? I pray this week the Holy Spirit invades your soul in such a way that you can’t help but walk on your tiptoes with expectation of what is coming just around the corner!

“And Jesus stood still and commanded him to be called. And they call the blind man, saying unto him, Be of good comfort, rise; he calleth thee.”

Blessings,

Kayla