Scripture Reading: Mark 8:22-26

“And he took the blind man by the hand, and led him out of the town.” (Mark 8:23)

Sometimes I have to take you away from a crowd and get you alone in a secret place before I can reveal My greatness to you and give you a miracle.

The crowd distances you from Me. It demands your attention, your time, and your service. It is a good thing for you when I take you by the hand and lead you into the Secret Place of the Most High God.

Never complain at the delays to your prayers being answered.

Wait patiently until I have put My plan for your life in divine order. The friends who brought the man to Me at Bethsaida thought I would heal him immediately. Sometimes you bring your friend’s needs to Me and think I will immediately answer your prayers for them because I see your love and concern for them.

But it is often better to wait until I get your loved one into a place where I can be alone with him or her. So wait patiently for Me to answer your prayers in a way that is best for your friend.

When I had him alone I put My spittle upon his eyes. When I did that the miracle of sight began to take place.

At first his vision was blurred. Nothing was distinct. He could have turned away, disappointed, but instead he waited in hope.

Be encouraged to wait in hope for your miracle to happen.

Once again, I put My hands on his eyes, then I told him to look. This time he saw everything clearly. His heart was filled with joy.

I told him to not return into Bethsaida, nor to tell anyone in the town about the miracle.

I could do many more miracles if those who do them and those who receive them would know when they should keep God’s secrets. Too many brag about the miracles that are done through their hands.

When I see My servants taking the glory for the miraculous works of God, I have to withdraw My power from them because I will not give My Glory to another.

You do not need to have some great, famous person pray for you before you have a miracle. Just let Me take you by your hand and lead you alone with Me. There, in that lonely place I will show you My glory and My power.

I did not give up when at first the miracle was not completed. I persisted in praying for him until the miracle was complete. Do not give up if you do not see the miracle immediately. Keep on believing and keep on praying until you have the answer to your prayers. Be patient, even in the place where you are all alone with Me, and there is no one to stand with you and believe with you.

Shut in with God in the Secret Place 
There, in His presence, beholding His face
Waiting for power to run in the race;
I long to be shut in with God.

• An old chorus. Author unknown.

From the Heart of Jesus by Gwen Shaw
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