Have you been in a place for so long that you feel like there is no way out? That you are too far gone? That you are a lost cause, unseen by God and overlooked by others? In John 5, there is a story of a paralytic, a man who could not walk. He had been paralyzed for 38 years. We do not know what he did every day, or how he had survived for this long, but we do know that 38 years is a very long time. We can also imagine how he must have felt: unseen, unnoticed, and less than, because people would always beat him into the pool.
One day, this man was lying on one of the walkways by the pool of Bethzatha, which was filled with people who were suffering in different ways. Suddenly, Jesus, God in the flesh, approached the man and asked him if he wanted to be healed. Of course, he wanted to be healed, but the paralyzed man described his hopeless situation to this man he did not know. As far as he knew up until this point, there was no chance for him to experience healing. The thing was, Jesus already knew his situation intimately, for He is God, the One who created him and loved him. At once, Jesus boldly commanded the paralyzed man to stand up and pick up his mat and walk. In an instant, the man who had been paralyzed for a long and hard 38 years could walk fully and freely.
One moment with Jesus changed everything.
After this miracle happened, Jesus made a bold claim to the people, saying that anyone who believes in Him would have eternal life and would no longer be condemned. Friend, imagine if you were the man who had been paralyzed for 38 years and one moment with Jesus changed everything for you. Jesus not only offered you physical healing, tending to your very pressing need that affected your everyday living and wellbeing, but He also offered a healing that surpassed any physical ailment—an assurance that your soul could live forever by believing in Him.
I am sure you have your own story of how you have been suppressed by the enemy mentally, physically, relationally, or emotionally. It could be lasting for a longer time than you planned for, and the pain has left you lying on the floor with no way to get up. Perhaps you are to the point where all hope is gone and you realize you are in desperate need of a Savior.
At the end of the day, we are all at this point because of sin. Romans 3:23 says that we have all sinned, and Romans 6:23 says that death is the penalty for sin. However, it also says that God has given us the gift of eternal life through His Son, Jesus.
Friend, I want you to know that, just as Jesus approached this man in the crowd of people at that pool, already knowing His story and His need, He does not miss you in the masses. He sees you and knows your situation intimately. He walks toward you and is pursuing you at this moment as you read these words. He is offering eternal life to you and a promise that one day there will be no more pain. Let me tell you for the first time or remind you again what Jesus did for this to be true: He died on the cross for you and paid for your sin for you. He was then raised to life to give you new life now and forever. This life can start now, as you learn to walk step by step with Jesus as your Savior.
John 10:10 says that the devil seeks only to destroy your life, but Jesus has swooped in to save you and transform you and forgive you and show you what real love looks like. Romans 10:9 says you simply confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead and you will be saved.
So, friend, may you know that it is never too late to be healed. You are not too far gone, for God has been with you every step of your journey (see Psalm 139:7-10). I pray you will have a spiritual awakening or a fresh encounter with Jesus today, for He has the power to change your life in a second.
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