Do I Have the Faith for a Miracle?

Randy left for Chicago this morning. He received a scholarship earlier this year from the Professional Photographers of America and had this seminar booked a couple of months ago. He was very hesitant to leave me, but I assured him that I would be fine, that he should go ahead and go. “And when you get there, ‘be where you are,’ “ I encouraged him. “Get the most out of this seminar that you possibly can, so that it is worth both your time and the travel money.” He will return on Wednesday.

Audrey and Matthew were so sweet to stay with me today. They will drive me to my appointment to have a spinal tap in the morning.

I have had a particular painting on my mind a lot lately. It is by the Danish artist, Carl Bloch, and is entitled “Healing the Blind Man.” 

Christ is reaching out to a blind beggar. To the left of Christ is a skeptic standing with his arms folded, doubting the scene in front of him. There is a curious child being restrained by a disciple. A hopeful follower stands to the left as well as a man who seems to have his eye on the sceptic.and Two observers receive a bit higher vantage point on top of the wall. All are watching and waiting.

The story comes from St. Mark 10:44-45:

 46 And they came to Jericho: and as he went out of Jericho with his disciples and a great number of people, blind Bartimæus, the son of Timæus, sat by the highway side begging.

 47 And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out, and say, Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me.

 48 And many charged him that he should hold his peace: but he cried the more a great deal, Thou Son of David, have mercy on me.

 49 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.

 50 And he, casting away his garment, rose, and came to Jesus.

 51 And Jesus answered and said unto him, What wilt thou that I should do unto thee? The blind man said unto him, Lord, that I might receive my sight.

 52 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.

This blind man didn’t have access to a myriad of doctors and their various tests, Optic Neurologists, MRI’s, steroids, spinal taps. He just needed to reach out to Jesus Christ with faith and he was made whole. 

God’s power is still on the earth today through the power of the Melchizedek Priesthood. I have been given the blessing of sight through that Holy Priesthood. I pray for the great faith of Bartimaeus that I too may be healed.

I have felt the faith and prayers of family and friends and the great comfort of the Holy Ghost. Already I am seeing shapes in my left eye. I sense that a miracle is just around the corner.