
“At once, the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked,” says John 5:9, NIV
Have you experienced the miracle of healing?
It took thirty-eight years before this man received healing. The moment he had long been waiting for finally arrived. The Scripture says, “At once, the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked.” This person’s long-suffering ended with a long-lasting gift of healing, allowing him to walk on his two feet again after sitting for very long years. Upon reading this miracle story, some may wonder, could this also happen to me? Would it not be great if everyone could experience this kind of transformation?
I admire this man’s firm assertion of what he believes could cure him. Him waiting on the side of the pool demonstrated his steadfast conviction that healing is a possibility. He actively participated in this healing process through his patience, dedication, and courage that never wavered through those years, along with a crowd of people also seeking healing for themselves. The saying, “While there is life, there is hope,” describes this man’s belief, attitude, and behavior. His life grounded in hope gave him a reason to live, and his hope for a renewed life gave him the tenacity to live his life in its fullness.
He reminds me of an unknown author who writes, “Healing may not be so much about getting better, as about letting go of everything that isn’t you – all of the expectations, all of the beliefs – and becoming who you are.” In this man’s case, he didn’t allow his illness and the difficulties he was facing to define who he was nor to determine what his future could be. His healing experience only affirms his true self, which never weakened or was compromised because of his physical deficiency. Nothing in life, even his physical disability, separated him from his authentic self and the love of God.
How do you celebrate your true self and self-worth amid difficulty? In dealing with your predicament, whether in finances, health, relationship, or work, lingering for a long time and too difficult to overcome or get out of, where do you find strength, help, and refuge? Are you taking responsibility for standing firm and resolving your problematic situation decisively? Does being part of “people in the crowd” provide you with a support network and a sense of belongingness? Is faith in God a resource that helps you remain strong amid strenuous circumstances?
May we all find healing power from within, restoring our hope, removing our fear, and bringing us peace today and tomorrow. We can stand up with Jesus. We can pick up our “mat and walk,” and God’s grace will sustain us. As we get back to standing and walking on our own two feet, let us give thanks to God and tell the gift of Jesus’ healing to others.
Prayer Song:
“Heal Me, Hands of Jesus” by Michael A. Perry
Heal me, hands of Jesus, and search out all my pain;
Restore my hope, remove my fear, and bring me peace again.
Cleanse me, blood of Jesus, take bitterness away;
Let me forgive as one forgiven and bring me peace today.
Know me, mind of Jesus, and show me all my sin;
Dispel the memories of guilt and bring me peace within.
Fill me, joy of Jesus; anxiety shall cease,
And heaven’s serenity be mine, for Jesus brings me peace. Amen.