One who was there had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, “Do you want to get well?” – John 5:5-6
The man by the pool of Bethesda had been paralyzed for thirty-eight years, lying on his mat, waiting for help. That mat was his life, familiar and even comfortable, despite all the pain. Some of us are like that, aren’t we? We’ve grown so used to our guilt, our shame, our brokenness, that we settle for surviving, blaming others or clinging to what’s familiar rather than seeking God’s help.
Jesus asks us today, “Do you want to get well?” Do you want freedom from the past? A life of purpose instead of just merely existing? The deep, abiding love of God that transforms? He’s not asking you to earn it or fix yourself first. Jesus simply says, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk!” (John 5:8). But you must choose to rise and trust Him.
What’s your mat? Fear? Bitterness? Addiction? Loneliness? Lay it at Jesus’ feet, whatever it is. Take that step of faith and He’ll lead you into the abundant life He promises (John 10:10).
I laid on that mat for many years before Jesus opened my eyes one day and spoke to me, saying, “There is a better life with Me. But I need you to get up and walk!” I was so desperate that I was willing to do whatever. That day was November 18, 2018 – the day I had my last drink. Jesus didn’t just save my life… He gave me a new one. One that has had its share of ups and downs, but one that is better than the life I had been living. Much better!
I love my life today. I love telling people about what Jesus has done for me. And my prayer is that He touches you just like He touched me. I never knew what true grace was until Jesus opened my eyes and showed me who He truly is.
As a close friend of mine often says: “Grace is giving someone what they need the most, when they deserve it the least, at great personal cost.” That’s who Jesus is, and that’s what He did for me.
And He can do the same for you, if you’ll let Him.
Former Blackout Artist 