Day 5 : January 9, 2026

Voice of Persistence

Devotional: 

“Many people told him to keep quiet, but he was crying out all the more…”

Mark 10:48 (HCSB)

Bartimaeus, a blind man who sat by the side of the road begging, heard that Jesus was in his vicinity. Knowing the One who could heal him was within reach, Bartimaeus cried out loudly, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Many of us know what it feels like to carry a pressing need that only God can address.

The crowd told him to keep still and be quiet. His public cry felt disruptive and distasteful to those around him. Sometimes people, knowingly or unknowingly, become sources of discouragement. Not everyone will understand your desperation. At times, we place limitations on ourselves because of past experiences, perceived inadequacies, or fear of embarrassment. We may hesitate to speak up because it feels uncomfortable or exposed.

Consider the powerful words, “Jesus stopped” (Mark 10:49). They reveal why we should never surrender our cry to pressure or shame. If Bartimaeus had given in to the crowd’s attempts to quiet him, if fear or embarrassment had silenced his voice, he would have missed his moment of healing.

The image of a blind man throwing off his beggar’s robe and pressing his way through the crowd toward a beckoning Jesus is a picture many of us can relate to. It reflects the courage required to move past labels, rejection, and obstacles in pursuit of wholeness. Bartimaeus teaches us to throw off what holds us back and take intentional steps toward emotional, physical, and spiritual healing. Do not allow rejection, isolation, or resistance to keep you at a distance from God.

When discouragement comes, ask yourself, “Will it make me shout louder or grow silent?” When you feel tempted to quit, cry out to Him anyway.

Reflect: 

Where have I allowed fear, embarrassment, or the opinions of others to quiet my voice before God?

One Step Forward: 

Speak your prayer to God out loud today, even if it feels uncomfortable. Refuse silence and cry out to God with expectation.