I think it should have been pretty obvious.

There are these two blind men sitting by the side of a road.  Jesus comes by with a huge crowd following close behind.  OK, so here’s the omnipotent Miracle Worker and two sightless men.  Simple enough. Obviously they needed to have their sight restored. And Jesus had already been doing amazing and unbelievable things – raising the dead, feeding thousands, walking on water. I get the feeling these men are going to be healed.

But Jesus doesn’t just jump right into the healing.  When He hears their cries for mercy,  He stops and asks them a question instead.

“What do you want Me to do for you?”  

Really?  Wasn’t it obvious?  But there was something about hearing directly from these men, in their own words, exactly what they needed. You kind of wonder if they thought He was kidding.  But they didn’t skip a beat.  They answered quickly, “Lord, we want our eyes to be opened”.

So, if I was sitting by the side of the road and Jesus came by and asked me exactly what I wanted Him to do for me, what would I say? Would I stumble over my words? Would I try to sound all spiritual and mature? Would I stutter and avert my eyes and say something generic like, “Well, Lord, whatever You want”?  Maybe.   But then, would Jesus take my lowered chin in His hand, lift it up, look me in the eyes and say, “Really, Sharon, what do you want Me to do for you?”

Jesus wants us to ASK.  No stuttering.  No shyness.  He has asked us a question.  And He lovingly waits for the answer He already knows we want to give, but are too hesitant to put into words.

Don’t just cry out.  Don’t be shy.   Be specific. Tell God what you need, what you want. He already knows. And in case you were wondering about the end of the story,  the blind guys did receive their sight…and followed the One who gave it to them.  (Matthew 20:29-34)

Until now you have asked nothing in My name.  Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.  John 16:24

Lord, You have heard the desire of the humble.  You will prepare their heart.  You will cause Your ear to hear.  Psalm 10:17

Then you will call upon Me, and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you.  Jeremiah 29:12

(Originally posted in April, 2010)