There’s a story in the Bible of a man who had been infirm for 38 years. Jesus finds him waiting by the pool called Bethesda waiting for miraculous healing. Jesus asks him, “Do you want to get well?” The man replies, “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.” (John 5:1-8)
Without missing a beat, Jesus tells him, “Rise, take up your bed and walk.” Immediately the man was made well, and took up his bed and walked.
There’s so much we can learn from this story and apply to our health journey. We may not be paralyzed, but we’ve been struggling for many, many years with a stronghold that has kept us bound. Like the infirmed man, we’ve held on to the belief that there’s no one to help us; that we’re alone; that we will never be free from the bondage.
Does any of this sound familiar to you?
Like the man, have you ever found yourself talking more about your struggles than the success you want to achieve? Have you become so consumed by your current circumstances that you don’t believe that you can get well? Are your excuses bigger than your expectations?
Jesus’ command to him was simple, clear, and direct. There were no justifications, rationalizations, or questions—no conversation—just a command, “RISE UP!” Not only get up but take up your mat and walk.
The man was waiting by the pool because he believed that his healing would come from the ‘magic waters’ but Jesus showed him another way—a better way; one that did not require him to fight to be first in line or that would require others to help him. Jesus healed him by a simple command, “RISE UP!”
Upon Jesus’ directive, the man began walking. As you read this, can you hear Jesus extending the same opportunity to you?
It’s time to let go of what’s been holding you back and RISE UP!
It’s time to stop believing in magic potions and lotions and trust God for your victory.
It’s time to walk out of your place of discomfort, discouragement, depression, and despair and do what God says to do.
IT’S TIME TO RISE UP!
P.S. if you are tired of circling the same mountain over and over and want a Christ-centered approach to getting active consistently and joyfully? Join our RISE UP! Get Active, God’s Way Challenge – Starts April 4th getactivegodsway.com
I’m signed up and ready for the RISE UP Exercise Challenge. Currently I just doing stretching exercises and walking my dog twice a day (20 minutes each).
Referring to the reading at the bottom called “Has your infirmity become your identity?”
I should be one of those with an ‘infirmed spirit’. I have a laundry list of health problems, with an equal amount of meds that I take. I am also often in pain from a variety of issues, and often suffer from lack of sleep.
However, that isn’t stopping me.