What Does Desperation Look Like?

What Does Desperation Look Like?


An Everyday Christian Devotional
By By Lisa Phelps


In my post on Monday, I asked if we are really desperate for God.   I wrote that post because I don't think I am desperate for God; not really desperate.  So I want to know what desperation for God looks like.


In the Gospel of Mark, we read the account of a woman with the issue of blood.  We don't know exactly what was wrong with her, but we know she had been subject to bleeding for twelve years.  (Mark 5:25)  This condition made her ritually unclean.  According to Jewish law, if you were unclean, you had to avoid social contact.  And anyone who touched her (or that she touched) also became ritually unclean.  (Leviticus 15:19)  This unclean woman was willing to risk everything to get to Jesus.  She was desperate.  

 
Are you willing to risk everything to get to Jesus?

In our Bible study the other night, we were talking about giving up certain types of food in order to become healthier and grow closer to God.  It was said, I could never give up carbs, sweet, soda, dairy, etc.  Maybe you feel that way too about certain foods.  Or maybe, for you, it's something like the tv, computer, your phone, or shopping. What about your family?  If I said that you could NEVER have ________ (fill in the blank) again, would you break out in a cold sweat?  

Do you feel the same way about Jesus?

Do you stop eating on the weekend?  I bet that answer is no.  You wouldn't think of going the entire weekend without food. 

Do you go the weekend without spending time with Jesus?

Have you been in that place where there's no money and lots of bills?  Have you received that foreclosure or repossession notice?  Have you received that dreaded diagnosis from the doctor?  Have life circumstances left you feeling desperate?

Do you really feel that same way about Jesus?

We know that we need Jesus, but do we really live that way?  I don't.  Not all the time.

Maybe all this is coming from a longing for more of Jesus.  I want to feel like the woman in Mark--that I'm willing to risk everything to get to Him. 

So, what does being desperate for Jesus look like to you?  I really want to know.