Anchorage: The Storm of Loneliness | Part 5 of 8Sample

The Healing At Bethesda

There was a man by the pool of Bethesda who, as the Scripture records it, suffered from infirmity for close to thirty-eight years. He waited around having heard of the rumor that the first person who steps into the pool, whilst an angel stirs up the waters, could be completely healed. He was a lonely, miserable, yet hopeful man who spent thirty-eight years, expecting a breakthrough. While it may just have been a superstition, he was willing to brave the ridicule, disappointment, and loneliness just for a chance at deliverance, however slim the chances seemed. He was just another helpless man with the foolish hope of a miracle. But although foolish and desperate, he was still relentless.

Just when the man was probably on the verge of losing all hope and simply accepting the futility of his optimism, Jesus walked in. He saw him when no one else did and sought him out amongst all the other cripples and outcasts. It may be just another ordinary and seemingly inconsequential day until Jesus walks in. What we often fail to realize is that we are already seen by God. We don’t need to labor and strive and make a spectacle of ourselves before God can notice us. But at what point will you decide to stop and let God take over your life? The people around us may not understand us, may just brush off our fears and apprehensions as trivial. But God is here for you; He always has been.

Opening myself up to others was a natural outcome of opening myself up to God. The life that He wants for you is a life that He will equip and guide you to live. Once you begin to reshape your identity in Christ, no weakness or flaw is too stubborn to overcome. Stop hiding behind your fears and insecurities, step into God’s presence, and let Him transform you. Allow yourself to experience what it means to be understood and valued. God does not just see you, He wants to call you His child and be a part of your life. That is the extent of the Father’s love for us, His children.

Reflection

Are you relentless in your pursuit for God? Do you expect a breakthrough in your life or have you simply resigned to your apparent fate? Will you let your weaknesses and past define you or will you step into the new identity that you have been given?