Most people will go through their entire lives without being persecuted for their faith. But for others, there comes a time when they must choose between fidelity to God and fear of human beings. The Greek rulers of Israel tried to stamp out the Jewish religion and all their traditions. They wanted to replace it all with Greek culture and religion. The people experienced terrible persecution, and many died. But others were faithful and stood firm, and they prevailed. Our persecution might be ridicule, rejection, and inconvenience, but we must make the right choice just the same.

The only way the blind man of Jericho experienced the world was through the voices of those passing by. He kept hearing one name - Jesus - and it filled him with hope. When Jesus passed by, he began to cry out for mercy and healing. Others tried to shut him up, but he was persistent. Jesus heard his pleas and restored his sight - his faith, his hope, his perseverance, had made him whole. We must never give in to negativity, despair, and cynicism. God is alive and always hears our prayers.