Know Love Like This: 21 Days of Discovering God's Heart for YouSample

Do You Want to Be Made Well?

By James Morris

Now a certain man was there who had an infirmity thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he already had been in that condition a long time, He said to him, “Do you want to be made well?” The sick man answered Him, “Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; but while I am coming, another steps down before me.” Jesus said to him, “Rise, take up your bed and walk.” And immediately the man was made well, took up his bed, and walked. –John 5:5–9

When I started working at Gateway Church, I was a stewardship pastor helping people with their finances. Whenever I’d meet with someone, I’d often begin our time by asking: “Do you want to be debt free? Do you want to be a giver? Do you want to have margin within your finances?” Many people were excited to say yes! But there were others who would give me excuses as to why the practical and biblically-based action steps we were encouraging them to take would never work for them. With those people, we had to first work on their perspective of God’s goodness. Once they grasped that, we could discuss what they needed to change and what it would look like if they allowed God to take the lead. As people realized we serve a good, loving God who cares, they began to see that submitting to God meant more opportunities to see miracles in their lives.

The types of questions I asked people when I was in that role were similar to the one Jesus asked a sick man at the pool of Bethesda in John 5: “Do you want to be made well?” Interestingly enough, the response Jesus got back was not an enthusiastic “Yes!” either. Instead, He also received an excuse for why the man couldn’t be made well. (Side note: The word Bethesda means “House of Mercy.” And I believe that is what churches are called to be today—houses of mercy where people can come to receive and give mercy. Where they can come to be made well.)

Now imagine this: Jesus comes and visits you at church this week and asks, “Do you want to be made well?” What if He says more specifically, “Do you want your finances to be made well? Do you want your marriage to be made well? Do you want your health to be made well?” What is your response? Initially, we may all think, Of course, I want to be made well! The obvious answer is yes!

However, in the process of being made well, there is always an element of change involved. Repentance is needed—which involves fundamentally changing how you think and in turn, how you live. You cannot keep doing the same things you’ve been doing. If you want something you’ve never had, you most likely have to do something you’ve never done! In order to be made well, you have to allow the Lord to change how you think and act. For instance, if God is healing your marriage, that might include a process of healing your heart and changing your thought processes. You may have to talk to your spouse and treat them differently. Healing in your finances might mean you have to start spending, budgeting, saving, and giving differently.

This man at the pool of Bethesda was waiting for a move of God and a miracle. He had been sitting by the pool for 38 years! The sick man may have grown comfortable with his life situation and routine, or at least gotten used to the predictability of his situation. If he’s healed, he’ll have to pick up his mat and go to unfamiliar places. He’ll probably have to get a job! He’ll have to think differently than he has for the last 38 years. So I don’t think Jesus’ question to the man—“Do you want to be made well?”—was insensitive or irrelevant. All throughout Scripture, we see example after example of Jesus’ love, care, and compassion for those who are hurting. There is no love like His! But He wants us to trust Him and be willing to live differently. And when we surrender ourselves to Him, we allow Him to bring lasting healing to our lives.

Jesus healed the sick man that day. The man picked up his mat and walked away—something he hadn’t been able to do in decades! And do you know what he did next? He went and told everyone about what Jesus did! God wants to do the same for you today. He wants to heal you, and then He wants you to share your story with others so they can also experience His love and power.

So, I have some questions for you today. What are you waiting on God for? Do you want to be made well? Are you willing to take the next steps God directs you to take? Be careful you don’t become so used to your circumstances or believe the lie that there is no other way. Let’s not give God excuses or reasons why it won’t work. Choose instead to repent—to change your mind and how you live. Listen to the Holy Spirit. He may be asking you to make a change in some areas of your life to better align with Him. Do you want to be made well?

Prayer

Lord, I need You. As we read about You healing the sick man at the pool of Bethesda, I am reminded that You are a merciful God. You bless us with mercy and healing even though we don’t deserve it. God, I am asking to be made whole, and I am willing to change my mind and live differently. You are the mighty One who heals. Please heal me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

For Further Reflection

• Ask the Holy Spirit if there is an area in your life you need Jesus to make whole or complete. In your heart, respond and ask God to make you well.
• Are there any steps you need to take or changes you need to make to better align yourself with God? Write down any thoughts the Holy Spirit brings to mind.

Holy Spirit, what are you saying to me?