🏃Take Chances on Jesus

💭 Devotional Thoughts

There are moments in life when Jesus passes by — not physically, but through opportunities, divine nudges, and the quiet whispers of the Spirit. In those sacred moments, the response of faith is everything. Blind Bartimaeus and Zacchaeus lived in different circumstances, yet they had one thing in common: they took their chance on Jesus.

Bartimaeus was blind and begging by the roadside. He had no status, no sight, and no assurance that Jesus would stop for someone like him. But when he heard that Jesus of Nazareth was passing by, he didn’t wait. He shouted with desperation and faith, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” The crowd tried to silence him, but he cried out even louder. Jesus stopped. He called him forward and restored his sight.

Zacchaeus was a tax collector, despised by his people. But curiosity and a deeper longing stirred in him. Jesus was coming, and he couldn’t miss the moment. Being short, he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree. It was undignified for a man of his wealth and position, but he didn’t care. He just needed to see Jesus. What happened next stunned everyone — Jesus looked up and said, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.”

Two very different people. One shouted. The other climbed. But both took a chance — and both were met by grace.

🔍 Practical Reflection

• How often do we let moments of grace pass us by?

• Maybe it's a stirring during worship, a tug during prayer, or a clear call to make a decision for Christ. Too often, we hesitate. We worry about who’s watching, what might go wrong, or whether Jesus will even notice us. But these stories remind us: Jesus always responds to faith.

• Faith sometimes looks like crying out when everyone else wants you quiet. Sometimes it looks like climbing above your pride just to get a glimpse of Jesus. Whatever it is — take your chance.

• Are you waiting for healing? Cry out. Need deliverance? Climb higher. Hungry for salvation? Run toward Him. Jesus is passing by — don’t let Him pass without reaching out in faith.

✅  Closing Thoughts

Jesus honours bold faith. He listens to the voice that won't be silenced and sees the heart that climbs above the crowd to find Him. Don’t wait for a perfect moment. Take your chance today. Call on Jesus. He will stop for you.

🙏  Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for always being near. Like Bartimaeus, I cry out for Your mercy. Like Zacchaeus, I seek to rise above what holds me back. Give me the courage to take my chance on You today — for healing, for deliverance, and for a deeper walk with You. Help me not to let fear, doubt, or pride silence my faith. Thank You that when I call, You answer. In Jesus' name, Amen.