Disability in the Bible: Life Lessons for Us AllSample

Bartimaeus & Advocacy

You’re too loud. You’re just too much, too needy. You’re not worth it. 

Sometimes you’re not the one disqualifying yourself. Sometimes the voice of negativity and defeat comes from external forces. Other people want you to be quiet and pretend you’re fine. They want you to settle for your current circumstance. They want you to be silent. 

But Jesus didn’t create us to keep quiet in our times of need. He wants us to cry out to Him and to cry out for help (whether that help comes from Him, family, godly mentors, or counselors). Bartimaeus, a blind man, understood this truth and set a powerful example for us to follow. 

When Jesus was leaving a town, a large crowd followed him. They walked past a man named Bartimaeus, who was sitting by the road, begging for people’s mercy and charity. Imagine if there were nothing you were allowed to do in your community just because of a visual impairment. That was where Bartimaeus found himself. When he heard that Jesus was near, he began to shout and ask Jesus for healing. 

Do you know what people in the crowd did? They told him to be quiet! 

And all Bartimaeus did was shout louder. Shout! 

I’m not too much. I just need help sometimes. My needs deserve to be heard. I’m loud and can get louder. Jesus! Jesus! Jesus! 

Jesus honors those who call on Him and He hears your shouts. Jesus heard Bartimaeus, and his need was met. Jesus healed him. 

So, you need people to face you when you talk or to write in order for you to communicate? Ask. You need more help and support in your classes and academics? Ask. You need prayer? You need extra support? You need anything? Ask. 

Shout louder. Don’t allow others to silence you when you’re crying out for the real help you need. Keep asking until you find someone who will fulfill the law of Christ and will help you bear your burden when it’s too heavy for you. Keep reaching out to God and His people until your voice is heard. 

Consider: Is there something you need, but you’re afraid it will be “too much” if you dare to ask? First, talk to God about it. Ask Him to help you. Then, figure out if there’s someone else you might need to ask for help. How can you advocate for yourself in a way that can be heard?