God’s word is so cool! It just amazes me when I go deeply into scripture to find a word of wisdom that I need for a lesson – and lo and behold there’s a message right there for me! I’ve always wondered why Jesus asked the disabled person in John 5, “Do you want to get well?” The answer always seemed very obvious to me. DUH?? Yes!
This morning I studied this passage in regards to CHANGE (a word we all avoid) and I was totally amazed. I put the scripture into the context of Jesus saying, “Do you want to change?” I wanted to scream Yes! There are things I say I’m going to change (diet, exercise habits, priorities, attitudes, friends, etc.) and today I realized I’m just like the handicapped as I heard Jesus say, “Do you DESIRE to change? Things will have to be different. You’ll have to make some changes.”
Normally I make a million excuses why I’ll just start tomorrow. The handicap’s excuse was he didn’t have anyone to help him. At least he only had one excuse – I think I have 17 I use regularly. Jesus’ response was simple – you want to change, then take action. Get up and get going! So today, I’m wondering, Do I really want to change? Am I determined enough to take those necessary steps? Do I desire the change that bad? If yes, then no more excuses – I best just get up and get going!