I have many snap-shot type memories of my mom, who was also my spiritual mentor.  She’s been gone for over 7 years and this memory is over 30 years old.  I still remember the twinkle in her eyes and the excitement in her voice when she shared this revelation with me, as if it was yesterday.  She was exuberant as she related Jesus’s conversation with blind Bartimaeus.   (Story of Blind Bartimaeus: Mark 10:51)

“What do you want Me to do for you?” Jesus asked. Bartimaeus said, “I want to see!” Jesus healed him immediately of his blindness.  My Mom was convinced Jesus was actually asking her, “What do you want Me to do for you?”  The Holy Spirit gave her that specific gift of faith to pray!   She wanted my stepdad to be saved.   Her answer wasn’t as immediate as Bartimaeus’s, but he did accept the Lord as his Savior before he died about 12 years later. 

I can’t say for sure, but I imagine she may have reminded me of the scripture that conveys, “You have not, because you ask not.” (James 4:2-3) 

From the journal .  .  .  . January 1991

Lord, as I think about my answer to the question “What do you want Me to do for you?”  I guess right now it would be as it has been for years.  Make Mark strong in You.  I want him to receive Your grace in such a full measure that he could be mightily used by You. I pray that he be filled with a constant and deep joy, not always happy, but with assurance of Your love, wisdom, and power.

And I Believe God Said:

You must be faithful to pray that for him. That’s your responsibility. Be faithful to pray and faithful to love.  I will preach.  I will convict.  I will rebuke and I will reprove.  You pray and hope. Hold on and let nothing take away that hope.  He who hopes in Me will not be disappointed, but if you shrink back My soul has no pleasure. * Be steadfast.   

Hebrews 10:38. But My righteous one will live by faith; And if he shrinks back, My soul has no pleasure in him. NASB

Thank You, Lord.  I want those things for him.

The other request is for me to be closer and closer to You.  I want to be in Your breast pocket, ALWAYS in Your presence.  

No problem.  You give Me joy. As you do your part for Mark, you will be drawn closer and closer to Me.  Your desires are absolutely compatible with My desires.  You do not even have to choose between them.