He had been in prison for a number of years. While there, his ex-wife had moved across state lines with the kids. Upon release, parole stipulations did not allow him to leave the state. Frustrated, he reached out to a ministry leader for some guidance on how to connect with his kids. He had not seen them since he first went to prison and his understanding was that he now had a granddaughter.
The ministry leader encouraged the young man to pray for each of his kids by name every day. The explanation was that there were two battlefronts – the physical and the spiritual. One was out of his control at the present time and one was not. He took action on what he could do, he prayed. The hope was that he would be able to explain to the kids at some point that while he could not be with them physically, he was with them spiritually by praying for them daily.
He took the blind man by the hand and led him outside the village. When he had spit on the man’s eyes and put his hands on him, Jesus asked, “Do you see anything?” He looked up and said, “I see people; they look like trees walking around.” Once more Jesus put His hands on the man’s eyes. Then his eyes were opened, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly. – Mark 8:23-25. Why would Jesus do a partial miracle? Throughout the first half of Mark’s gospel, Jesus had conducted numerous miracles and the people were always “amazed”. Jesus knew that while the people were witnessing the miracles, they were not getting it - they were only embracing part of the message. With the partial miracle Jesus provided an opportunity for all to transition from just witnessing a physical happening to experiencing a spiritual transformation in relationship with Him. It was a lesson in faith beyond the point of amazement to a belief in Him. Martha got it when she said, “Yes, Lord, I believe that You are the Messiah, the Son of God, Who is to come into the world.” (John 11:27).
The young man was amazed at the peace he felt while praying for his kids. It was his partial miracle. Then the Lord did what He does so often when the faithful pray. A door opened over the Christmas holidays and the dad amazingly got to visit his daughters and meet his granddaughter. The ministry leader praised the Lord when he received a beautiful picture of the young man kneeling beside his granddaughter with his daughters behind him. What a glimpse of God’s glory that was! Unfortunately, his son was not willing to be a part of the reunion so there was some frustration as well. Prayers continue grounded in faith that goes beyond worldly amazement or frustration.
Prayer guide: Father, thank You for Your word and Your love for us. Thank You for the miracles You continue to do today be it through the unique gifts granted a medical team conducting surgery or through a specific response to prayers lifted up by the faithful. Too often my faith is limited to what I witness or experience personally. Forgive me Lord. Strengthen my trust in You beyond the point of amazement or frustration to become the man of faith, the husband and father You expect me to be. Equip me as a faithful father to PASS the BATON of faith well to the next generation. Amen.
A faithful father is grounded in faith that goes beyond amazement or frustration.
He had been in prison for a number of years. While there, his ex-wife had moved across state lines with the kids. Upon release, parole stipulations did not allow him to leave the state. Frustrated, he reached out to a ministry leader for some guidance on how to connect with his kids. He had not seen them since he first went to prison and his understanding was that he now had a granddaughter.
