One man was there who had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there and knew he had already been there a long time, he said, “Do you want to be healed?” John 5:5-6 ESV
Healing Through Revealing
God won't heal what you refuse to reveal.
Do you want to be healed?
Really? Thirty-eight years were lame by the pool of hope, and Jesus wanted to know if he wanted to be healed. Duh!
Well, maybe not, duh.
There is a distinction between need and want.
We may all need to be healed but not want to be healed.
It sounds preposterous! Maybe not.
Do you know someone who is an addict who continues in the destruction cycle?
Do you know someone crippled by the root of bitterness?
Do you know someone who seems to take every slight as proof of their unworthiness?
Do you know someone who doesn't need anyone to help them because they are self-sufficient?
Do you know anyone who no longer attends churches due to hurt?
Do you have a habit you know is not building you or others up, yet continue to give the excuse, "It's just how God made me."?
We all need healing, but we often do not recognize or admit our need.
So, why refuse the incredible offer of healing from Jesus Christ?
For some, it is because they cannot risk one more disappointment.
Others have become comfortable in their identity of being lame. It can bring a sense of attention and importance that feeds a bottomless pit in our souls.
Others gain energy that makes them feel alive from the anger, resentment, and justification of what has been done to them.
Some don't know they can be healed and free from whatever binds them.
Pray for revelation.
Ask God to reveal the broken places in your life.
You may already know what they are, but often, they will lie below the places you see them. An example could be anger towards your spouse now, which may be found in the wound of unforgiveness of a parent.
The list is as endless as humanity itself.
Only God can reveal and break the bondage. His balm and bandages will bind up your wounds and bring healing.
WARNING
Whenever you start this journey of discovering the wound, always invite the Healer into the process. Going it alone will lead you further into darkness.
Lord, I trust that You not only desire me to be whole, but You can make me whole. I ask Your Holy Spirit to bring light to the places within me that I don't know about, refuse to look at, or am afraid to trust You with. May You heal and restore me to the beauty of who You created me to be to glorify You with my life. Amen