Overcoming Paralyzing Situations

John 5:7-9

“Sir,” the sick man answered, “I don’t have a man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up, but while I’m coming, someone goes down ahead of me.”

“Get up,” Jesus told him, “pick up your bedroll and walk!” Instantly, the man got well, picked up his bedroll and started to walk…

The man mentioned here had been paralyzed for 38 years. The pool at Bethesda was known as a healing source for many. They believed an angel would stir the water from time to time, and the first person in the water afterward would be healed. This poor man could not walk and needed someone to help him into the water. Others had always got to the water first and received the healing, causing him to forfeit wholeness.

The paralyzed man was certainly with a disadvantage, yet he still chose to remain close to the waters. If there was a chance, he hoped someone might help him into the water in time. He was waiting for an opportunity should one arise. Without doubt, he faced disappointment after disappointment while he watched someone else become healed.

Perhaps, you’ve been there. You have a need in some area and are dependent upon someone else to help you. You’ve been hopeful and waited a long time, but you’ve yet to see your need fulfilled. You’ve seen others with the same need receive their provision time and time again, but you are still waiting for someone to help you. Jesus’s words to this man can help you, too.  Get up, pick up your bedroll, and walk!

When this man encountered Jesus, he met someone greater than the angel who stirred the water. He met the healer, Himself. He did not need another person to do anything else for him. With Christ as your Savior, you have encountered the provision for every need you have. Simply get up, pick up your bedroll, and walk! Your miracle may not come in the form you expect. It may come as you take one step at a time in the direction Christ leads you.

This man no longer needed someone else to help him when he met Jesus. You don’t need someone or something to happen to make you happy. You simply need to be willing to get up and walk, healed from your former paralyzing situations. If you’ve never encountered Jesus, He is only a prayer away. Ask Him to heal you of the paralyzing situations that prevent you from fully enjoying life. A miracle doesn’t always come in the forms we imagine. They often come as we take one step at a time in obedience to His call. You may be capable of much more than you realize!

Have a blessed day!