By: Juliet Constantine

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.” (John 5:7-8 NKJV)
 

Patience is truly a virtue which is so rare. I would’ve given up already - but not this lame man. Though he was seen as a permanent, helpless fixture laying there for 38 years; he hoped that some good person would help him to be first in the pool. It was an almost impossible faith, but still he waited, hoping for healing. There were many sick persons like him, but only one would receive healing when the water was troubled. Unable to walk, his chances of being the first in the pool were slim. But still, he wouldn’t give up. He honestly believed that his time would come, no matter how long it takes.

Many passed him by with just a wandering gaze but Jesus didn’t. This ‘Angel’ didn’t step in the water but He met this sick man on the porch. It seems some persons weren’t there to be healed, hence Jesus’ question to this paralyzed man: “Do you want to be healed?” Instead of answering yes, the man started to explain his predicament. Jesus, filled with all compassion, gave him his heart’s desire when He commanded him to, “Rise, take up your bed and walk.” Having waited 38 years, he was willing to try anything. In obeying, immediately he was made well and took up his bed and walk. Only one person was healed that day. This paralytic was very important to God to be singled out to receive healing.

I wonder how many of us have lost patience, having given up because we have prayed and waited so long for a breakthrough, for an answer to prayer, for our ‘waters to be troubled’ so that we can be first, but still nothing’s happening. Whatever you are going through, whatever it is that you have been praying about, don’t give up. Your blessing maybe just around the corner. You may be looking for your blessing to be in the ‘pool’ but God may be waiting to bless you on the ‘porch’. You may be expecting your ‘water’ circumstances to change, with help from others, but God may have earmarked your blessing in a different form. Do not limit God. He works in ways we cannot fathom. Just be open to receive His blessings when He sends them. Be it in the pool or on the porch, be ready to receive your blessing.

Dear God, just as You singled out this paralytic to receive Your healing and blessing so long ago, in reward of his faith, I humbly wait on Your blessing even now. Renew my strength, restore my joy, my faith, and my trust I pray, in Jesus’ name, amen.

 

Copyrighted by Juliet Constantine 2014 (for “Alone With God – At His Feet” Daily Devotional)