Just Answer The Question!

In John 5, we have the story of the sick people all laying around the pool at Bethesda. Those who were blind, crippled, paralyzed, were waiting on the water to be stirred by an angel of the Lord. The first one in, was then healed.

A certain man had been there for 38 years, waiting. Can you imagine? Waiting 38 years for something? It is amazing to me that he never lost hope and gave up! In this day and time, we can barely wait 38 days, 38 minutes, maybe 38 seconds! We have no real ability to wait on things these days.

Jesus shows up, and HE knows how long the man has been waiting! Aren't you glad when Jesus shows up in your situation? Jesus asks the man if he wished to get well? The man takes a breath and says that he has no one to help him get in the pool after it has been stirred by the angel. When he gets there, someone has beaten him in, so he is left with nothing.

Why is it that when things are difficult in our lives, we always lay blame to our circumstances as to what is preventing us from attaining what we need and/or desire? The man said, "I have no one to help me..." First of all, let me tell you that I believe we need one another in our lives. No man, or woman, can be productive in their life if they are an island to themselves. We need each other! We are all a part of the Body of Christ!

Old #38, he just began to explain his situation and circumstances to Jesus as to why he couldn't get well. Sounds like you and I today, doesn't it? We are full of explanations as to why we can't have what we want. I know that there are somethings that can't be changed. I think some of our explanations may be real, others may be imagined. Or could some of those explanations be excuses? A friend of mine once said, "Behind every excuse is a lack of desire." I'm not saying #38 didn't want to be healed! I am saying he did not answer Jesus' question! Jesus asked him if he wanted to be healed, his response was to detail his circumstances why he couldn't! Jesus had not asked him why he hadn't been healed. Jesus listens, then just tells him to get up and walk!

In our lives of prayer and commitment to Christ, HE may ask you many things. Be careful how you answer! Don't just toss out there why you can't, or haven't been able to. If HE asks you straight up, "Do you want...", don't tell HIM why you haven't or can't, just say yes!!!

See, #38 was waiting on something, then giving explanation, or excuse, why he couldn't or didn't. Are you waiting on something that is beyond your control? Well, when Jesus shows up and asks, "Do you want..."? Just answer the question!