Seeing in the dark

Discover how faith helps you see beyond limits like Bartimaeus & Roger Bannister by believing the impossible and learning to see in the dark. Seeing in the dark.

Seeing beyond impossible

In 1954, the world believed it was physically impossible for a human being to run a mile in under four minutes. Scientists, coaches, and athletes all agreed — the body simply couldn’t endure that kind of pace. Then came Roger Bannister. With grit, faith, and unshakable belief, he did what the world said couldn’t be done — he ran a mile in 3 minutes and 59 seconds. He shattered the four-minute barrier. What’s fascinating is what happened next: within a short time, thirty-seven other runners also broke the four-minute mile. The tracks hadn’t changed. The shoes hadn’t changed. The only thing that changed was belief. The same is true in our spiritual lives.

Finding Your Affirmation in Christ

In Mark 10:46–52, we meet Bartimaeus, a blind man sitting by the roadside as Jesus passed through Jericho. When he heard that Jesus of Nazareth was near, he cried out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” It’s interesting — Jesus knew Bartimaeus was blind, yet He still asked, “What do you want me to do for you?” Why? Because faith requires clarity of desire. Bartimaeus could have asked for anything — money, food, even a house. In those days, there were no doctors capable of restoring sight. Asking for vision was impossible by human standards. But Bartimaeus didn’t ask small. He didn’t ask for comfort. He asked for a miracle.

Faith That Hears, Not Sees

Sometimes, we approach God with small prayers: “Lord, make my work easier.” “Lord, give me a life I can tolerate.” But what if instead we prayed: “Lord, give me a life I love. A calling that excites me. A vision that stretches my faith.” When you think small, dream small, and believe small, you limit what God can do in and through you. A pastor once shared a story about visiting a boxing gym with his younger brother, an experienced boxer. His brother effortlessly hit the speed bag — a rhythm of perfect punches. When the pastor tried, he could only hit once at a time, clumsy and off-beat. His brother laughed and said, “You’re trying to see it. The speed bag isn’t about seeing — it’s about hearing. You have to listen to the rhythm.” That’s what faith is. It’s not about walking by sight — it’s about walking by sound. It’s about tuning your ear to God’s rhythm when your eyes can’t see the outcome. Bartimaeus couldn’t see Jesus, but he heard Him. He couldn’t witness the miracle yet, but he believed it was near. His hearing guided his faith — and that faith opened his eyes.

Insight Beyond Sight – seeing in the dark

The blind man had no sight, but he had insight. He saw Jesus more clearly than the crowd who surrounded Him. While others looked for a mighty force, a visible spectacle, Bartimaeus recognized something deeper — the heart of a Savior who loved him. Many people today still miss this truth. They’re looking for signs, wonders, and flashes of glory. But they overlook the simple, yet profound, truth of how deeply God loves them. You may not always see what God is doing. You may not see progress, healing, or breakthrough right away. But if you can hear Him — if you can hold on to His word, His promises, His rhythm — you’ll learn to see in the dark. Because faith doesn’t depend on what’s visible. Faith depends on what’s heard. And when you walk by faith, the impossible becomes possible.

Final Thought – seeing in the dark

Just as Roger Bannister shattered the four-minute barrier, God wants to shatter the barriers of disbelief in your life. Don’t limit your prayers to what’s practical or probable — ask for what seems impossible. Bartimaeus asked for sight — and he received it. You, too, can ask for vision. Because when you learn to see in the dark, you’ll discover that faith was never about eyesight — it was about insight. seeing in the dark