Prayer Journal
Monday, October 27, 2003
"When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked, 'Do you want to get well?'" John 5:6
It must have seemed like a curious question to those around him. Everyone had seen the disabled man on his back for a long time. I imagine his condition was probably the object of conversation for people his whole life. I'm certain some of them even considered the possibility that the man might one day get up from that bed and be healed. Jesus asked, "I know what everyone else wants; what do YOU want?"
Today you might be suffering from the effects of a disability or illness. You find yourself unable to function at one-hundred percent and not a day goes by that you don't wish you could better. Day after day, your effectiveness is minimized; your opportunities seem limited and your desire seems evasive. Most everyone pities you, thinking your condition is the reason and you're tempted to agree with their assessment and give up.
Jesus knew what few of us want to admit. Some of us are not as sick as we want other people to think and our condition gives us excuse for not having the desire to get better. Then, as we wallow in our self-pity, we find the fellowship of others who like us, sit around and "share," enjoying our mutual pity party to the exclusion of "normal" people.
Please don't misunderstand me. Many people have true disabilities and have demonstrated their persevering will to overcome incredible odds. Such people accomplish more than many of us who don't have a handicap. The man at the gate that day had to answer a direct probing question from Jesus about his attitude - not his condition.
The fellowship of suffering can bring comfort to those who truly are trying to improve their attitude toward life. But this same fellowship can also keep you down by surrounding you with attitudes of people who don't want to get better. If you're not careful, their attitude might impress you and you'll find yourself comforted by the idea of living with a lifelong excuse.
Jesus healed the man that day even though the man didn't give Jesus the answer he desired. A "Yes; of course I want to get better," would have been good but the sick man depended on Jesus to form his own conclusion. We get the impression that that man must have had doubts about Jesus' ability to heal him. I doubt he ever thanked Jesus for he failed to give him credit for what he did until Jesus threatened him. He is certainly not a good example of the way a grateful person acts. (Vs. 5:14)
David Ring is an evangelist with cerebral palsy who has overcome incredible odds to live a full and productive life as preacher, husband and father. I love the way he asks a simple question after giving his testimony: "Will you serve God today? I have cerebral palsy; what's your excuse?"
What is your excuse?
Just Thinkin'... WebServant
Scripture comes from the Holy Bible, New International Version; (c)1978 by New York International Bible Society
Copyright © 1998-2003
James R. Green and Prayertower Ministries
All Rights Reserved
I'll pray today for...
* My spouse
* My children
* Their friends
* My friends
* My employer
* My city
* My country
* Civic leaders
* Schools
* Teachers
* The sick
* The lost
* Those in despair
* The hospitalized
* The grieving
* Widows
* Orphans
* My church
* My pastor
* Church leaders
* Other churches
* Persecuted church
* Missionaries
* Myself
