Do You Want to Get Well?

“But what does healing have to do with growth? Aren’t we to live in the Great Right Now, forgetting the past and moving forward to the future? Why go back and mud-wrestle with the past? Because Jesus asks us to. Just as He asked the lame man at the pool of Bethsaida, He asks us the same thing.”

“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 why did the paralytic by the pool of Bethesda respond 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.

My Answers

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

And I blather, “You have no idea how stressful the holidays always were for me, growing up in the home of a perfectionist!“

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

And I explain, “Thanksgiving was all about following the recipes just right, starting the meal on time, and sitting silently while the adults talked forever!“

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

And I defend, “Christmas was all about looking good: dressing in the right clothes, hanging the tree lights exactly spaced, getting everyone to smile for the family photos.“

And on it goes.

Jesus Keeps Offering

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, I realize why I babble endlessly rather than checking “yes.”

If I Say “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.

And healing.

(Here’s the trailer for Everything…it’s an honor to have my story of healing included!)

Your Turn:

• About what aspects of your life do you hear Jesus asking, “Do you want to get well?”

• From what holiday-related lameness would you like to “get well” during October’s “A Holiday-Ready Heart“?

• Anything else on your heart!