“Do you want to get well?” 

“Sir,” the invalid replied, “I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me.” 

Then Jesus said to him, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.” At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked. John 5:7-9 (NIV)

This encounter between Jesus and the invalid occurred  when Jesus was visiting the pool of Bethesda.  Legend had it that healing was given to the first person into the pool after an angel came down to stir the water. For 38 years, this man had lain by the pool hoping for someone to help him in to be healed. But the miracle came when Jesus provided the answer for all of his years of suffering and he was able to walk again. 

I want to back up for a minutes and notice the answer that was given when Jesus asked, "do you want to get well?'  You would think that it should be an immediate yes?  Isn't it interesting that instead of saying yes, he gave a reason of why others were not helping him.

Do you know that Jesus wants to offer each of us the same healing today?  Many have suffered for many years, just like the invalid.  Healing is needed from the scars of holdinga grudge, bitterness, un-forgiveness, a failure, past sin, hurt or loss.  When the question is asked, 'do you want to get well', instead of saying yes, we sometimes  hide behind business, serving or indulging in things that only bring temporary satisfaction. 

Today, Jesus wants to take that loss, failure or hurt and give you the gift of true healing.  Receiving the gift of true healing from our Heavenly Father allows us to move forward in the purpose God has for our life.  We no longer have to stay stuck waiting, just as the invalid did, next to the pool for years and years. 

This year,  let's not avoid the free gift that only comes from our Savior.  Let's say "Yes" to the gift of healing, so that we can walk in the freedomand purpose God has for our life. 

1.     Is there a hurt or grief in your life that you have avoided to acknowledge? (failure, grudge, un-forgiveness, loss, etc.) 

2.     How could you move forward if you took time to surrender this to the Lord and receive the gift of healing?

3.     Where are you in the CW process of fulfilling God's purpose for your life? (dreams, healing, Identity, Health, Purpose, Fashion

Then Jesus said to him, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.” At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked. John 5:9 (NIV)

Crystal Breaux