In the Wait
I had a great conversation with a friend from California last night. We were talking about those periods of time when we don't see God moving, but we know He is. We laid it all out there. The frustrations. The anger. The whys. Everything. But we had no answers, except to just keep trusting God.
One story that we stayed on for some time is the story in John 5 at the Pool of Bethesda. There was a large crowd of sick and infirmed people who were waiting for an angel to come and "trouble" the water. The first one in the water after the angel's touch would get healed. There was a multitude gathered there. Waiting. One thing that always baffled me was that Jesus walked in and healed one person. He could have walked among the crowd and healed them all. But for whatever reason, He just walked into the crowd, healed one man, and kept on walking.
Jesus asked the man "would you like to get well?" (NLT) I used to think the man's reply was a bit of a whine. I can't. I have no one to help me get in the water when it is stirred up. While I am trying, someone else gets in first. But as I read and reread that passage last night, I saw it in a whole different light. Perhaps my own struggles provided illumination.
First off, the man was there. He could have been anywhere else in the world, but in spite of his immobility and lack of help - he was sitting there waiting. Secondly, he was trying. "While I am trying...." But there was more revealing of this man's true character to come. Like, after he was healed.
In John 5:14, Jesus found him in the TEMPLE. He didn't go home. He didn't go to market. He wasn't in the town square. He wasn't sitting back and having a cup of coffee with friends. Once he was healed and could walk again - he went straight to the temple. I believe in that moment, he wanted to connect with God, not people first. He could have gone anywhere with his new lease on life and his new-to-him ability to walk around on his own - but he went to the temple. What a heart!
May we not get lost in the waiting. May we be more like this man who continued to wait on his miracle and was present every day no matter what. And if we do get that touch from God be it an extra measure of peace, provision for a pressing need, direction when we are confused, or a literal healing - may we still be found looking for Him.
Today, I will be meditating on this story even more. (Probably going in a new book... lol) I'll think about this man's determination in the face of adversity and how he continued to hold on to hope. I will tighten my grip on hope that Jesus will walk in and touch my soul today too. My meditations will be on how God always seems to show up at just the right time and He always knows just what my soul needs. Because of that, I will trust Him for one more day. Will you join me?
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BOOK OF THE WEEK
Making of a Leader
• What are the qualities of a good leader?
• What happens when a leader messes up?
• Ready to learn more about Christian leadership?
Making of a Leader touches on all of these and more!!
Grab a copy of Making of Leader and learn more about leaders like Moses, Nehemiah, and Gideon. (Gideon???) Yes, Gideon. These character studies and studying other passages will increase your understanding of leadership and you’ll grow and develop as a believer and a leader.
Kindle & Print : Making of a Leader
Did you know this and other of my books have been translated into Urdu and distributed to Christians?
You can help support the mission and purchase an eBook copy from my Buy Me A Coffee shop.
We also have to wonder, “How did he get there?” Some faithful friends or family caregivers had to carry him there. He was unable to move. God Bless faithful friends and unwavering family caregivers. Wonder how many times they had taken him before that day. I think, a bunch. I also think it took more than one person to get him there. He was probably dead weight. I’m sure they might have thought, “What’s the use? We’ve been there before.” I know I don’t have the faith to believe my hubby will be healed in this lifetime. Only death will release me, his or mine.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry you are in your current situation - may God give you grace for another day. Thank you so much for sharing and bringing out the point that the man at the Pool had to of had some help to get there day after day. Great point - and one I'll continue thinking about for some time! Thanks for sharing and thanks for reading!
DeleteI just came across your blog and this post by "accident"... Thank you so much for sharing. I took care of my parents, with my mom being my main focus per my dad's constant daily, sometimes multiple times per day, reminders that she was to be my number one focus. I'm thankful that I did. Dad passed as I held his hand in 2021and Mom in December 2023, as I also had the privilege of walking her to heaven's gate. As I take care of two puppies that I found the day before her funeral, my 7 and a half year old rescue dog and I are waiting to hear the results of today's ultrasound that I fear will be cancer. I've lost two other family members and several personal sentimental belongings over the past 4 years, as well as other losses. I had begun to give up hope and faith as the thought of loss looms again. Your blog is so helpful. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteLoss and grief are so difficult to navigate, and sadly, Christian-ese doesn't cover these emotions. The church in general doesn't know what to do with loss or grief or those who are suffering from them. I pray that God comforts you in this time of loss and I pray for surprisingly good results on the test!
DeleteThank you for reaching out and sharing your story - I'm so sorry for your loss. But I am glad you found us! Thanks for reading, please come back often!