The troubles of others speak of my powerlessness and of my hesitancy to pay the price of involvement. I am tempted to stand on the side-lines or to give cheep advice.

One of the men lying there had been sick for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him and knew he had been ill for a long time, he asked him, “Would you like to get well?”

John 5v5-6

Jesus takes the initiative with a respectful question which is taken as a criticism.

“I can’t, sir,” the sick man said, “for I have no one to put me into the pool when the water bubbles up.”

John 5v7

Thirty eight years of the same question from people unwilling to help had their impact.

Jesus told him, “Stand up, pick up your mat, and walk!”

John 5v8

Jesus does not give an unrealistic suggestion. He intervenes with the power of God.

Instantly, the man was healed! He rolled up his sleeping mat and began walking!

John 5v9

When I see what is needed in someone else’s life am I willing to take responsibility for what I have understood? That puts the onus on me to go to my Father for the grace to act.

In the last week there have been two occasions where I have seen but hesitantly stood by. Thankfully, the Lord gave me the final push into action.

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Photo by Aləx Buchan on Unsplash