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 one 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 healing. For the past 38 years, this man had so rehearsed why he was sick that he never thought about or hoped for 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. The wait had dulled his hope, and now he no longer expected or anticipated 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 the desire you have longed for hasn’t come yet, and your heart is hurting inside. Instead of letting it make you resentful or resigned, let Jesus heal your heart. Instead of blaming others or the situation for your lack of healing, confess it to God and let Him heal your broken heart (Luke 4:1).