“One of the men lying there had been sick for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him and knew how long he had been ill, he asked him, Would you like to get well? I can’t, sir, the sick man said, for I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred up…” (John 5:5-7 NLT).
Did the sick man know to whom he was speaking? Did he have a clue as to Jesus’ power? Why didn’t he simply answer what was in his heart, “Yes, I want to be healed”?
Did he? Do we?
We’re provided with possible miracles on a daily basis. We’re given nods from the Lord that would/could lead each and every one of us into better living, more miraculous ministries and deeper walks with the Lord. We’ve been provided with a Book filled with information that leads us into abundant living.
And we begin listing excuses as to why we aren’t or why we can’t live for Him.
Are we, like the man at the poolside, afraid of the new life He offers? The fact that it will look different, feel different, be viewed by the world differently than our present situations? Are we disgusted enough with our afflictions to seek Him, no matter what’s required, for a miracle? Are we waiting for a healing that looks just like the one we want instead of the plans He has for us?
If we’re sitting beside the pool, why is it? Hasn’t He passed our way? Hasn’t He asked us, personally if not collectively, if we want more? Put away the excuses and tell him, “Yes!”
Malinda Edgell
Illinois
PRAY TOGETHER: Pray for VBS volunteers ministering to children this summer.
