Cast Off Your Coat

By Donna Wittlif   “And he, casting away his garment, sprang up, and came to Jesus” (Mark 10:50).     How would you make a living if you were blind? Today there are many ways a blind person can earn money, but in the time of Bartimaeus, one could only sit by the roadside and endure the shame of begging. That’s what blind Bartimaeus was doing when he heard that Jesus was coming his way.     Bartimaeus was desperate for help. He cried loudly, “Jesus, son of David, have mercy on me!” Over and over his pleas sounded. He grew so loud and persistent that his voice probably made it hard for the people to hear Jesus’ preaching. Many rebuked him and told him to shut up. But he kept yelling until Jesus called for him.     Then he did an amazing thing. In his eagerness, he sprang to his feet and cast off his outer garment. It kept him warm during cold days, and he used it for a blanket when he had to sleep on the street. But now, it was an impediment to his reaching Jesus quickly. It was a garment of shame that reminded him of his plight. He was willing to give it up for a most precious gift—meeting Jesus and receiving his sight.     Like blind Bartimaeus, we all have a coat that can be a hindrance to our Christian lives. Perhaps it is sin that brings shame and sorrow. Maybe it is trouble and sadness. It can be a lack of faith in God’s power and willingness to help us. If you have such an impediment, now is the time to throw it off and believe in God’s power to heal you and make you whole through Jesus Christ. When He calls for you, be like Bartimaeus and eagerly run to Him.

- Donna Wittlif, the founder and first editor of BulletinGold, lives in Ft. Worth, TX. Donna is a writer of Christian fiction and non-fiction. Her nonfiction books, God's Desires for You: A Biblical Guide to Salvation and Our Stronghold in Prayer: A Women's Class Book and Prayer Journal, are available at Amazon.com: Donna R. Wittlif: books, biography, latest update  Donna lives in Ft. Worth, Texas.