Do It Anyway
Watch or listen to
the full sermon here.
Preached by Pastor Mike Woodard
Follow The Valley Church
Have you ever had a project or challenge that felt impossible to finish?
When my wife Emily and I moved into our new house, we decided to build a big outdoor table—something she’d always dreamed of having to host friends and family. We got the supplies, borrowed the tools, and built it in the middle of a rainy day while juggling our two toddlers. By the time we were done, we realized it was way too heavy for the two of us to lift.
We could slide it, but we couldn’t stand it upright. It was too much for us to do alone.
So I texted a friend, and when he came over to help, we finally lifted the table into place.
That moment reminded me of something deeper: sometimes the step God is calling us to take feels too heavy to lift on our own.
Whether it’s growing in prayer, fixing a strained relationship, or trusting God with your future, every one of us has a hereand a there—and between those two points is a step of faith.
In Mark 10:46–52, we meet someone who knows that tension well: a blind man named Bartimaeus. His story shows us three truths about what every step of faith requires.
1. Every Step of Faith Starts With a Need
Bartimaeus was blind and begging on the side of the road when Jesus passed by. Mark even includes his father’s name—Timaeus—which means honored or highly prized. That detail is no accident. The “son of honor” had become a beggar.
Maybe that hits close to home. Maybe you thought life would look different by now. Maybe you imagined a different story—one with more peace, success, or clarity. But instead, you’re facing disappointment, confusion, or pain.
That’s exactly where Bartimaeus was. His need was obvious: he wanted to see. And when he heard Jesus was near, he didn’t hesitate. He cried out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”
Every step of faith begins right there—with an honest need.
If we never admit our need, we’ll never reach for Jesus. The good news is that your need doesn’t disqualify you; it’s the very thing that draws God near. You can’t take a step of faith without first acknowledging what’s missing.
2. Every Step of Faith Continues With Perseverance
As soon as Bartimaeus called out, people told him to stop. “Be quiet!” “You’re making a scene!” “He doesn’t have time for you!”
But Bartimaeus didn’t listen. He cried out even louder until Jesus stopped and called him forward.
That’s what perseverance looks like.
Whenever you take a step of faith, resistance will come—sometimes from others, sometimes from your own doubts. The moment you decide to trust God more deeply, voices will rise up to tell you why you can’t or why it won’t work.
But here’s the truth: God will never be the one telling you to give up.
If the desire to step forward in faith came from God, then the fear trying to hold you back didn’t.
Maybe God is prompting you to start praying with your spouse, to reconcile with someone, or to step into a new calling. And even as you sense His leading, you hear another voice saying, “You’re not good enough. You’ll just fail again. God doesn’t have time for you.”
That’s not God.
So consider the source. Perseverance means choosing to listen to the voice of the One who called you, not the one trying to stop you.
3. Every Step of Faith Leads to a Deeper Connection With Jesus
When Bartimaeus reached Jesus, Jesus asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?”
He answered simply, “I want to see.”
And Jesus said, “Go, your faith has healed you.” Instantly, Bartimaeus received his sight—and then followed Jesus down the road.
Notice that last part: he followed Him. The miracle wasn’t the end; it was the beginning of a deeper relationship.
That’s what happens every time we take a step of faith. Whether or not we get the result we hoped for, we always get more of Jesus.
The goal of faith isn’t just answered prayer—it’s a closer walk with the Savior.
Even when results don’t come quickly, your obedience isn’t wasted. God uses every act of faith to shape you, strengthen you, and draw you nearer to Him.
Taking Your Next Step
Every step of faith starts with a need, continues with perseverance, and leads to a deeper connection with Jesus.
So what’s your next step?
Maybe it’s trusting God with something uncertain. Maybe it’s obeying His Word even when you don’t have all the answers. Or maybe it’s simply saying, “Jesus, have mercy on me.”
Whatever your next step looks like, take it. Trust Him.
You might not know how it all works out—but you can know the One who’s walking with you every step of the way.