I am meditating on the story in John 5:1-9 about the lame man by the pool. Whenever I read this story I want to cry because it is such a remarkably touching story of faith and endurance.
"Afterward Jesus returned to Jerusalem for one of the Jewish holy days. Inside the city, near the Sheep gate, was the pool of Bethesd, with five covered porches. Crowds of sick people - blind, lame, or paralyzed - lay on the porches. One of the men lying there had been sick for thirty- eight years. When Jesus saw him and knew how long he had been ill, he asked him, 'Would you like to get well?' 'I can't sir,' the sick man said, 'for I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred up. While I am trying to get there, someone elses always gets in ahead of me.' Jesus told him, 'Stand up, pick up your sleeping mat, and walk!' Instantly, the man was healed! He rolled up the mat and began walking!"
I know that I have struggled with self-hatred, doubt, and fear, for a long time and I can see the affects of how it has crippled my soul disguising how it truly should be. I want my inner self to shine as it should be for my original design, the one ment for Eden, to radiate with life. I can't remember not struggling with this and it just makes me wonder, "Lord when will this end? Can you please free me?" But, I am encouraged by this lame man. He didn't give up, after 38 YEARS! This man still desired his original design! It has been many years for me too, but I hope that everyday Christ will find me at the well waiting for his touch. I don't plan on giving up, though there are days I feel completely defeated.
Where are you crippled? May you lay it at the “pool” trust he will bring healing…..in time, but when he does, it will be instant! Praise God!
"Afterward Jesus returned to Jerusalem for one of the Jewish holy days. Inside the city, near the Sheep gate, was the pool of Bethesd, with five covered porches. Crowds of sick people - blind, lame, or paralyzed - lay on the porches. One of the men lying there had been sick for thirty- eight years. When Jesus saw him and knew how long he had been ill, he asked him, 'Would you like to get well?' 'I can't sir,' the sick man said, 'for I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred up. While I am trying to get there, someone elses always gets in ahead of me.' Jesus told him, 'Stand up, pick up your sleeping mat, and walk!' Instantly, the man was healed! He rolled up the mat and began walking!"
I know that I have struggled with self-hatred, doubt, and fear, for a long time and I can see the affects of how it has crippled my soul disguising how it truly should be. I want my inner self to shine as it should be for my original design, the one ment for Eden, to radiate with life. I can't remember not struggling with this and it just makes me wonder, "Lord when will this end? Can you please free me?" But, I am encouraged by this lame man. He didn't give up, after 38 YEARS! This man still desired his original design! It has been many years for me too, but I hope that everyday Christ will find me at the well waiting for his touch. I don't plan on giving up, though there are days I feel completely defeated.
Where are you crippled? May you lay it at the “pool” trust he will bring healing…..in time, but when he does, it will be instant! Praise God!
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