John 5 “Do You Want To Get Well?”
January 15th, 2009John 5:6
When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, “Do you want to get well?”
How often we become consumed with the urgent. When things go suddenly wrong, they tend to draw us quickly to the place of prayer. For this man lying by the pool of Bethesda, his wasn’t a recent condition that plagued his life, but it was a condition he struggled with for a long time. Jesus showed us that he is not limited to intervene in seemingly difficult situations that suddenly come our way, but his healing and compassion also extend to long time conditions. Even those we may have given up praying about. Perhaps there are friends or family members in your life struggling with long-term issues. Maybe there’s a problem that you have given up on, thinking you will never experience relief. Let’s remember that God cares even for these and we can seek Him for an answer.
In this season of prayer and fasting, remember that nothing is beyond His reach, His love, and His care. Today, do you want to get well?
January 15th, 2009 at 9:07 am
This is a great question! I find this scenario to be true not only with myself but to the people I counsel. Sometimes we want to get well, sometimes we don’t, sometimes we say; “I can live with that” and not try so hard to come to God for healing. There could be many reasons why depending on the situation. Sometimes it’s psychological and we don’t have the Faith to even go to God and ask for His healing. This too goes in line with sin and salvation. Sometimes it’s easier to just wallow in our sin rather than go to him for Salvation. “TODAY, do you want to get well?” is both the correct question and answer to both of those problems. It is up to us to receive. There is nothing God is incapable of doing.
January 15th, 2009 at 1:30 pm
I’ve been praying for my husband’s heart to come to the Lord for over 10 years now. I’ve lain at the pool beside him and added my own tears to the water. I’m weary. I want the Lord to walk into his life and say these precious words. I want the Lord to place His hands on my sweet husband’s ears so he can hear His voice. I want him well – body, soul and spirit. I want our marriage well – with the oneness of spirit only Christ can bring.
January 15th, 2009 at 4:28 pm
Years ago I was plagued with a debilitating disease that consumed my thoughts every waking moment. It went on for about 6 years and everyday I would asked God and believe for healing. There was no doubt that I “wanted” to get well, but I wanted it now! The reality was it was a process for me (although I know He could have done it in an instant). Looking back now, I see how He used it to bring me closer to Jesus. Just like the man by the pool…Jesus had compassion for him when He discovered the man had been in that condition for a long time. I thank Him for healing me and I thank Him for the trials.
January 17th, 2009 at 8:40 am
Beautiful reminder.
Even the areas we’ve given up on, Jesus comes ready, willing and able to heal us, but we have to want it.
Until we can say, “whatever it takes,” we will never accept His generous offer. Most of us just don’t want the process, just the outcome.
I praise Him for healing and his compassion… and his patience with us when we settle for staying sick.