John 5:8-9

New International Version

Then Jesus said to him, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.” At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked.

For Encouragement

The poor man had been in his paralytic condition for 38 years, lying at the Pool of Bethesda with no hope of getting healed.

Tradition had it that angels came to stir the pool and heal the first to enter it. How could he race against the others with lesser infirmities? His physical challenges became his mental excuse for not strategizing and trying harder. Jesus asked him a simple question, and our angry friend let Him hear it. 

“I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me” (John 5:7).

Mental oppression! 

Unfortunately, many have been living under such tyranny. These people may hate their condition, but they enjoy the validity and comfort of their excuse. It is never their fault. Another person must always take the blame. They always find consolation in their weaknesses or lack of resources to excuse their failings. 

If this was your attitude in the past year, 2023 must be the year to renew your mind. Personal responsibility should replace the blame game. Courage must displace fear, and faith must trump every negative mindset. 

You cannot exalt your handicap and expect progress; neither can you allow the horror of your woes to diminish your stature in Christ. 

Christians do not talk about positive thinking. We live by faith in our exulted Savior—All-knowing, All-powerful, and sufficient in every way. A compassionate God, He can help with our weaknesses. He is only a call from our Prayer Launchpad. 

Your problem could be marital, financial, social, emotional, mental, educational, or whatever it may be. It is surmountable in Christ. Trust Him with and through it. Just tell Him what you want and leave the complaining behind. He knows better than you and can make you walk again.

So, get up! Pick up your mat and walk.