Do You Want To Get Well?
Two thousand years ago there was a pool of water near the Sheep Gate in Jerusalem where it was said that an an angel would come and stir the pool and the first person to touch the water would be healed of whatever ailments he or she suffered.
Naturally, the pool was surrounded by the sick and lame hoping to be healed.
One man there had been an invalid for 38 years.
Now, this is a bible story (John 5:2-9) and regardless of your personal beliefs about the bible it is absolutely valid, and perhaps a bit too familiar?
Jesus, who knew of this man’s 38 year ailment asked him a surprising question:
“Do you want to get well?”
Is this the biggest “duh?” question in history?
A crippled man, can’t walk, laying there for 38 years… of course he wants to get well, right?
Ah, but listen to how the man responded.
“Sir, I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am on my way, someone else goes in before me.”
Are you kidding?
My answer would have been “YES!!! It’s all I’ve wanted for 38 years. Tell me what to do!!!”
What did this guy do? He did what so many of us do and I’ve been guilty of it, too…
He whined, complained and gave an excuse.
So, right now, think about your life, your challenges, your current dilemmas and let me ask you the same question…
Do you want to get well?
Everybody’s got something… a challenge, a problem, something that’s plagued them for a long time.
Personally or professionally, what’s holding you back?
Or more specifically, what stands in the way of, say, your relationship?
Your career? Your health? Your finances? Your spirituality? Your happiness? Your success?
Do you want to get well?
Would someone observing your daily life see signs that you want to get well, that you’re working, changing, willing to confront the hard stuff?
You see, if you do want to get well you’re going to have to do any one or more of the following (and not one of them is easy)…
* Leave the familiar and “go into the new.”
* Take a risk.
* Do the thing you dread doing.
* Forgive someone you don’t want to forgive.
* Confess something and ask forgiveness
* Start a relationship.
* End a relationship.
* Ask for help
* Learn to say no.
* Say yes.
* Or just launch already…
Jesus’ response to this man was simple:
Get up, pick up your mat, and walk.
And he did.
And so can you.
If you need permission, consider this your permission.
For this year let’s start by clearing your path forward.
Confront the thing you know you need to but just haven’t.
Stop whining, it annoys people.
Stop complaining, it doesn’t change anything.
Stop making excuses, they only justify inaction.
Choose now to get well, decide what that means, and do it.
Please share this… I bet you know someone who needs to hear it.
Live Truly, Truly Live,
Rayburn
