John 5:1-18

Why do we often quit before we try? We see the task at hand and assume it’s not for us. We think we don’t have the right gifts or talents. We see others thriving in things we want but believe we are not made for the same. I see this in the paralytic man by the pool of Bethesda. When Jesus meets him, he asks, “Would you like to get well?” It seems like an obvious question to ask a man waiting by the healing pool. I think Jesus was testing his heart. Do you really want to get well? To which the man replies, “I can’t, sir.” He explains that no one can carry him down, and it’s too late for healing when he eventually gets there.

But Jesus says, “Stand up, pick up your mat, and walk!” He didn’t need a pool; he needed Jesus. He didn’t need someone to carry him; he needed Jesus. In the same way, we cannot look at what we can’t do; we need to look to Jesus. We can’t look at our past failures; we need to look to Jesus. We can’t look at how we see ourselves; we need to look to Jesus.

Only in Jesus can we see our true identity and potential and be propelled into what He has called us to. But like this man, we are often blinded by the physical things that keep us grounded. We look at what others have and what we don’t. And we allow these things to take root and shape our reality. Can you imagine this man’s joy and freedom when He realized he could walk after thirty-eight years of being paralyzed? What about us? Are we limiting ourselves by what we see in the physical when a supernatural God is waiting for us to look to Him for all we need? Don’t stay grounded, but stand up, pick up your mat and walk! Allow the Lord to work in you, through you and for you.

Reflect on your life and ask:

What has been grounding me?

What do I need to give to the Lord to reclaim the life He has for me?