Acts of Being Desperate for God in the Bible

Sermon: Acts of Being Desperate for God in the Bible

Introduction:In our spiritual walk, there are moments when we feel desperate for God. Desperation often arises out of a deep sense of need or longing, and it can drive us to seek God with a fervor and passion that transforms our hearts. The Bible is full of stories of men and women who, in their desperation, cried out to God for help, guidance, healing, and mercy. Today, we will explore what it looks like to be desperate for God, and how we can emulate these acts of desperation in our own lives.

1. Desperate Cry for Help – The Blind Beggar (Mark 10:46-52)

Scripture: "Then they came to Jericho. As Jesus and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city, a blind man, Bartimaeus (which means Son of Timaeus), was sitting by the roadside begging. When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, 'Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!' Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, 'Son of David, have mercy on me!' Jesus stopped and said, 'Call him.' So they called to the blind man, 'Cheer up! On your feet! He's calling you.' Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus. 'What do you want me to do for you?' Jesus asked him. The blind man said, 'Rabbi, I want to see.' 'Go,' said Jesus, 'your faith has healed you.' Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road." (Mark 10:46-52)

Illustration: Bartimaeus was a blind beggar, marginalized and often ignored by society. But when he heard that Jesus was near, he did not remain passive. Despite the rebuke from the crowd, his desperation to see led him to cry out even louder. His act of desperation caught the attention of Jesus, who healed him.

Application:In our own lives, when we feel spiritually blind or stuck, crying out to Jesus with a heart full of desperation can lead to a breakthrough. Sometimes the noise of the world will try to silence our cries, but true desperation will not be silenced by the opinions of others.

2. Desperate for Healing – The Woman with the Issue of Blood (Mark 5:25-34)

Scripture: "And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years. She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse. When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, because she thought, 'If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed.' Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering." (Mark 5:25-29)

Illustration:The woman with the issue of blood had been suffering for 12 long years. She spent all her money on doctors, but nothing worked. Desperate for a cure, she believed that touching Jesus' cloak was her only hope. She pushed through the crowd, despite her illness, and her desperation for healing made her act with bold faith. Jesus responded to her faith, and she was healed.

Application:Desperation for healing, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual, drives us to take action. In moments of deep pain or brokenness, we are called to press in, even if it means going against the crowd, believing that a touch from Jesus is enough to bring restoration.

3. Desperate for Salvation – The Thief on the Cross (Luke 23:39-43)

Scripture: "One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: 'Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!' But the other criminal rebuked him. 'Don’t you fear God,' he said, 'since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.' Then he said, 'Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.' Jesus answered him, 'Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.'" (Luke 23:39-43)

Illustration:The thief on the cross was in a desperate situation. He was condemned to die for his crimes, and yet in his final moments, he recognized Jesus as the Savior. He cried out for mercy, desperate for salvation. In his act of desperation, he received a promise of eternal life from Jesus.

Application:No matter how dire our circumstances may be, salvation is available to all who cry out to Jesus in desperation. The thief’s desperate plea shows us that God’s grace is never beyond reach, even in the most desperate moments of our lives.

4. Desperate for Deliverance – The Israelites in Egypt (Exodus 2:23-25)

Scripture: "During that long period, the king of Egypt died. The Israelites groaned in their slavery and cried out, and their cry for help because of their slavery went up to God. God heard their groaning and he remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac and with Jacob. So God looked on the Israelites and was concerned about them." (Exodus 2:23-25)

Illustration:The Israelites were in slavery for hundreds of years, and their suffering seemed endless. However, their desperation to be freed from oppression led them to cry out to God. Their cries did not go unnoticed, and God responded by raising up Moses to deliver them from Egypt.

Application:When we are trapped in situations where we feel there is no way out—whether in bondage, sin, or trials—our desperation can turn into a cry for deliverance. God hears the cries of His people, and He is faithful to deliver those who earnestly seek Him.

5. Desperate for Restoration – King David’s Repentance (Psalm 51)

Scripture: "Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin... Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me." (Psalm 51:1-2, 10)

Illustration:After his sin with Bathsheba, King David was desperate for God’s forgiveness and restoration. In Psalm 51, he pours out his heart before God, acknowledging his sin and pleading for mercy. His desperation for a clean heart and a restored relationship with God led him to a profound moment of repentance.

Application:When we sin and fall short, our desperation should lead us to repentance. God is merciful, and when we cry out to Him with a broken and contrite heart, He will forgive and restore us, just as He did with David.

Conclusion:

Desperation for God is not a sign of weakness but a sign of faith. It is when we come to the end of ourselves and realize our desperate need for God’s intervention that we can experience His power, mercy, and grace. Whether we are crying out for healing, salvation, deliverance, or restoration, God is always ready to respond to a heart that is truly desperate for Him. Let us learn to approach God with boldness and faith, knowing that He hears and answers those who earnestly seek Him.

Closing Prayer:

Lord, we come before You with hearts that are desperate for Your presence. Help us to be bold in our faith, to cry out to You in our times of need, and to trust in Your power to heal, restore, and deliver. We believe that You are the answer to every desperate cry, and we surrender our lives to You. In Jesus' name, amen.