Do You Want To?

Do you want to get well? John 5:6 

Have you ever longed for something for years, only to hesitate when it's within reach? I've realized that there are many things I like in theory but don't truly want to take responsibility for. 

For instance, I've yearned for a horse for years. Seeing one fills me with instant peace as I envision galloping across a field and escaping into the woods on a solitary trail, chasing the sunrise together. Yet, I still don't own a horse. I've come to realize that I preferred the idea of having a horse rather than the actual commitment it would require. 

After my deliverance from addiction, life was new and exciting. There were so many experiences I had never imagined considering, having a pet horse became one of them. 

Truth: Owning a horse would disrupt my usual routine. It would demand constant care and attention for its well-being. The beautiful vision of riding my own horse would be replaced with hard work and time. Therefore, for now, admiring them from a distance is perfect because I'm not ready to give them everything they need. 

In John 5, Jesus entered Jerusalem and encountered a man who had been an invalid for 38 years stretched out by the pool at the sheep gate in Jerusalem. This man wasn’t alone, hundreds of disabled people believed the pool had healing properties. Jesus saw him and he knew how long he had been there. He asked the man, "Do you want to get well?" the man responded with excuses about not having anyone to help him into the pool. 

Maybe this man had a vision of being well, just like my vision of owning a horse. Maybe he saw himself running freely into the woods, but the effort and fear of this new responsibility kept him stuck. It can be entertaining to think of what could be, but the actual step that could lead to a changed life requires faith and action. We are making decisions even when it doesnt feel like we are. 

Still, he showed up every day, but his excuses remained the same… 

“By the time I get to the pool, somebody else is already in.” 

Days turned into years, and he settled for the vision rather than living his dream. 

Then Jesus said, "Get up! Pick up your mat and walk." Immediately, the man was healed; he picked up his mat and walked. 

That man was an invalid for 38 years, a considerable time. He kept showing up. Yet, he needed the power of grace to shift his will from his limitations to what Jesus said he could do. Grace enables you!

It's easy to blame others when we can't see a different way. But remember, there's always a way with Jesus. 

Question: Is there something you envision yourself doing but have settled for keeping as an idea? After contemplating, is the idea enough, or is it meant to be brought to life? 

Prayer: Lord, thank you for reminding me that I can do all things with you. Help me trust you and hear your voice when you ask me to pick up my mat and walk.

Reflection: Our mind can naturally gravitate to the negative side of things. That is why prayer and obedience are essential to know the next step. This doesn’t always mean we are smiling while we are believing, but we can choose to.