{10 Days of Proverbs 31} Take It or Weakness

“She is clothed with strength and dignity…” Proverbs 31:25(a)

“Do you want to get well?”

It’s not a difficult question. It doesn’t require a complex reply. In fact, one word will suffice.

So how come the paralytic by the pool of Bethesda responded to Jesus’ question with 30 words, when one would have been enough?

“I have no one…while I am trying…someone else…”

Oh, do I ever recognize these words! When I get on a “poor me” kick, it’s all about wishing others would do something for me, focusing on my weakness, and comparing myself unfavorably with others.

Offering His strength, Jesus asks me the same question: “Cheri, do you want to get well?”

And I blather, “Sir, I have so much grading to get done. My readers didn’t show up last week, so I’m two weeks behind and midterms are due next week!”

He asks, “Cheri, do you want to get well?”

And I explain, “Sir, I’ve tried to make friends and get involved, but it never lasts.”

He asks, “Cheri, do want to get well?”

And I defend, “Sir, nobody in the house understands me. I’m the only female, now that Annemarie’s away at college. Daniel just doesn’t ‘get’ me!”

And on it goes.

Jesus never stops asking, “Cheri, do you want to get well?” He never stops offering His strength.

At some point, I get tired of my pity party; after all, no guests show up, and there are no gifts. And I realize that Jesus isn’t asking an essay question! It’s a simple yes-or-no.

As I meditate on this story in John 5:1-15, I realize why I babble endlessly rather than checking “yes.”

I’ll have to take action.

I’ll have to trust Him for strength. I’ll have to pick up my mat and walk. Which is, of course, what I want…right?

I mean, who would rather live in weakness, complaining “I have no one…while I am trying…someone else…”?

His question again: “Do you want to get well?”

His standing offer: omnipotent strength.

My daily, hourly, moment-by-moment choice: take it…or weakness.