INSTEAD OF COMMITTING SUICIDE, BARTIMAEUS CHOSE TO SEEK HELP FROM JESUS
Life can feel
overwhelming at times, and in those dark moments, it can be tempting to think
that the only way out is to give up entirely. But before you let those thoughts
take over, remember this: You are not living to please anyone but God.
You are precious in His sight, and no matter what you’re going through, there
is hope for you.
Consider the
story of Bartimaeus, a blind man whose life seemed hopeless. Every day, he sat
by the roadside, ignored by many, with only the sound of passing footsteps to
remind him of the life he longed to live. Yet, in the midst of his blindness
and rejection, Bartimaeus didn’t give up. When he heard that Jesus was near, he
called out with all his might, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” (Mark
10:47). Though people around him tried to silence him, Bartimaeus refused to
stop seeking help.
Jesus heard him,
called him forward, and healed him. His blindness was gone, and his life was
restored. If Bartimaeus had given in to despair, if he had believed the voices
telling him to stay silent, he would have missed out on the transformation
waiting for him.
The story of
Bartimaeus reminds us that no matter how bleak things seem, healing and
restoration are possible. It’s easy to feel trapped when we’re surrounded
by the noise of life telling us we’re not good enough, that we’ll never make
it, or that there’s no reason to keep going. But those voices are not the
truth. The truth is that you are loved, and your life has immeasurable value.
You Are Not
Alone
Many people have
walked the difficult road of despair but found hope on the other side. Take
Nick Vujicic, for example. Born without arms or legs, he could have easily
chosen to give up. But instead, he chose to trust in God’s plan for his life.
Today, Nick is a motivational speaker who has touched millions of lives with
his message of hope and resilience. Despite the odds, he found a purpose and
joy that continues to inspire others.
Closer to home,
due to privacy I may not mention names. These people have once shared how they
have struggled with suicidal thoughts
after facing intense personal trials. Instead of letting those thoughts win,
they reached out for help and found strength in God. Today, they are touching
lives and encouraging people.
These stories
show us that the dark moments are not the end. There is hope, and there is
help. Whether through prayer, reaching out to friends and family, or
speaking with a professional, you can find a way out of the darkness.
Your Life Has
Purpose
You are here for
a reason, and your story is not over. Just as Jesus healed Bartimaeus and
restored his sight, God can restore your hope and your life. You do not need
to carry the weight of pleasing others. You are not defined by your
failures or by what others think of you. Your worth is found in the love of
God, who sees your pain and promises healing.
So, if you find
yourself in that dark place today, remember the words of Psalm 34:18: “The
Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
There is no shame in feeling overwhelmed, but there is hope in knowing that you
don’t have to go through it alone.
What You Can Do Dear Friend
- Prayer: Prayer is a powerful way to bring comfort and peace. Pray for God’s healing, guidance, wisdom and the strength to overcome the challenges you are facing.
- Reach out for help: Talk to someone you
trust—a friend, family member, pastor, or counselor. Let them know what
you’re feeling.
- Avoid Isolations: Isolation can make suicidal thoughts worse. Be part of a community can offer the emotional and spiritual support you need.
- Take it one day at a time: Healing doesn’t
always come all at once, but every step forward is a step toward hope.
- Walk in love: Learn to walk in love and avoid unwholesome bitterness. Be excited at every level God grants to you.
You are loved.
You are valued. And your life has a purpose far beyond what you might see right
now. Never forget, you are not living to please anyone but God, and He has a
beautiful plan for your life. Hold on to hope, because brighter days are ahead.
Samuel Elijah Boateng
0593876208
John C. Maxwell
Leadership
Insightful and timely piece, Samuel. Life happens for us, and not against us. May we always remember that "we are not alone".
ReplyDeleteBeautiful piece Samuel. We are not alone, He is with us
ReplyDelete