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We celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary in 2008. Our children helped us celebrate with an all expense paid all arranged vacation In Hawaii.
Friday, March 11, 2011
When Jesus saw him stretched out by the pool and
knew how long he had been there, he said,
"Do you want to get well?"
John 5:6 (Message)
At first glance, we think, "What a stupid question." Of course--he wanted to get well!
But did he really? Remember, this is our Lord asking the question. I doubt that He would just be "playing" around with the man's feelings.
He evidently wanted the invalid to think about his situation and give an honest answer to the question.
The man gave excuses: "I don't have anybody to put me in the water." "By the time I get there, somebody else is already in."
Sounds like me when the subject of losing a few pounds and getting in better shape comes up. Sounds like many couples I know who can't communicate with each other without help but offer every excuse under the sun for not getting help. Sounds like many, not all, who don't have a job but won't go out and look for one. So many are sitting on the sidelines waiting for something but they don't know what so they just keep sitting.
Jesus said, "Get up, take your bedroll, start walking." The man was healed on the spot. He picked up his bedroll and walked off.
When we get serious about the mess we are in and when we get up and go, God will go with us and we in effect "will be healed."
7 comments:
this reminds me of the commercial...just do it!! Hope your weekend is the best.
I know a couple that have not paid their mortgage for over a year,but she always has her nails done, and her hair.She told me she spends $100 dollars every month for new cloths. I have prayed for this couple more times than I can count. Their not helping themselves, they need to get off the sidelines. I still pray for them but my prayers have changed.
Sorry for such a long comment :)
Hugs,
Ginger
Wow, this is so powerful, Clif! Thank you so much for this...it's wonderful!
:-)
Cindy
Earlier this week I read a devotional that used this in regards to fear. "Get up girl. Get off your pallet and out of your sickbed (of fear). There is a life to live and freedom if you want it". There is so much in this story that we need to ponder over. Thanks for bringing to light another aspect...do we want to get well? God bless..
It's like exercise. We all want to say we do, but only those to make the effort get the benefits. Wow...you've made me think about the excuses I make.
Amen! Great message, Clif!
I often thought of that "Do you want to get well?" in regards to some of my Home Health patients who seemed to enjoy the attention of being sick. Then as I encountered a few orthopedic challenges myself, I had to ask myself that same question, and God used it to help me as I struggled through physical therapy requirements necessary for returning to better health.
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