In this powerful message, Pastor David Payne challenges the common habit of pretending we’re okay when we’re actually hurting. In “Fake It Till Ya’ Make It,” Pastor David unpacks the story of Bartimaeus in Mark 10:46–52, showing how healing begins when we stop hiding our pain and become honest with God. Too often, we layer over wounds with busyness, pride, or self-reliance, convincing ourselves we’re fine while carrying deep hurt, grief, anxiety, and brokenness.
Using the example of blind Bartimaeus crying out to Jesus, this sermon reminds us that God already sees our pain—He’s not asking because He doesn’t know; He’s inviting us to be real. Pastor David explains that many of us have allowed our wounds, failures, or insecurities to become identity markers. But what hurts you is not what defines you. Your identity is found first and foremost as a son or daughter of God.
This message is a call to throw off whatever has attached itself to your identity—shame, fear, trauma, failure, pride, or pain—and move toward Jesus. Even when the path isn’t clear, Jesus is calling. Healing often begins not with having everything figured out, but with honesty and surrender. When we stop “faking it” and bring our real needs before God, we make room for restoration, freedom, and healing.
If you’ve been carrying hidden pain, feeling stuck, or struggling to be honest with God about what you need, this message will encourage you to cry out to Jesus and believe again for healing. No matter how long you’ve been stuck on the roadside, Jesus still stops for you, calls you by name, and asks, “What do you want me to do for you?”
Biblical References:
Gospel of Mark 10:46–52
Jericho (biblical context)
