Thought for Today: “To Be Healed Stop Blaming Others”

Jesus asked the paralyzed man at the Pool of Bethesda, “Do you want to be made well.” (John 5:6)

He replied, “Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; but while I am coming, another steps down before me.” (John 5:7)

Other people were to blame for his not receiving a healing. For the past 38 years this man had so rehearsed why he was sick he never thought about nor hoped in his healing.

Instead of responding, “Yes, I want to be made whole,” he answered Jesus with resignation and resentment.

He lived at Bethesda, which means, “house of mercy,” but expected none. His hope had been dulled by the wait, and now he no longer expected nor anticipated a healing.

The Bible says, “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but when the desire comes, it is a tree of life.” (Proverbs 13:12)

Maybe that desire you have hope and longed for hasn’t come yet, and your heart is sick inside. Instead of allowing it to make you resentful or resigned, let your heart be healed by Jesus. Instead of blaming others or the situation for not being healed, confess it to God, and allow Him to heal your broken heart (Luke 4:1).