A certain man was there who had been sick for thirty- eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there, knowing that he had already been there a long time, he asked him, “ Do you want to get well?” The sick man answered him, “Sir, I don’t have anyone who can put me in the water when it is stirred up. When I’m trying to get to it, someone else has gotten in ahead of me.” Jesus said to him, “ Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.” Immediately the man was well, and he picked up his mat and walked. Now that day was the Sabbath.~John 5:5-9 (CEB)
“Do you want to get well?” These words always jump out at me. Who wouldn’t want to get well? Thirty-eight years is a long time to be unwell. After such a long time you might get used to being sick, and developed some strong bad habits that keep you sick. After closer inspection I am forced to ask, do I really want to get well? Sometimes I am so attached to my illness (or my addiction) that I prefer being sick. It has become comfortable. Or it could be the crutch I use to hide.
God doesn’t bring healing unless I want to be whole. I am asked to be part of the healing process. Even in miraculous healing, I am expected to participate in the process. The mental desire to be well must shift to a physical act. I am asked to walk through the doors of healing.
If I am to be well I must be careful that my time is not spent in the waiting to be healed. Do I list reasons why I can’t get well? Do I blame my circumstances? Do I blame the people around me? Am I hanging out with others who are sick as well?
I can blame my circumstances or I can allow the healing waters inside of me to be stirred. In the getting up and rolling up my mat healing can occur.
Heavenly Father, stir the waters in my heart. Give me enough strength for this day to live healthily. Bring me one day closer to complete healing. Amen.
Pieces of the Puzzle 