Broken For Building

The opportunity to move forward, to make necessary advancements in life is always before us. If we run from growth or advancement, we stunt our own progress.  In John 5:1-11, Jesus gives us instructions on how to move forward, how to go to the next level in our various situations. 

In the last post,  Jesus asked the paralyzed man a significant question – “Do you want to be well?”  In order to move forward, we have to first make up our minds that we want to move forward. 

In John 5: 7, after Jesus asked the sick man if he wanted to get well,  the man responded not with a “Yes” or “No”, but with the reasons why he couldn’t be made whole. 

How many times do we automatically refer to all the reasons why something will not work or why we can’t do what God is calling us to do? How many times do we focus on all the resources we do not have? The man focused on the external situation (other people were moving on, others had help to get in the water and he didn’t) , on how he lacked opportunities to move forward. He wanted to move forward, but he was stuck where he was. 

In John 5:8, Jesus tells the invalid man to “Get up, pick up his mat and walk.” Today we will focus on the first part of Jesus’ instructions to the man. The second step we must take if we are to move forward is to Get Up.  

In order to move forward, we must get in position and be ready. We have to get up and hear from God. Get up and read the Word.  Get up and praise. Get up and serve.  Get up and do something. Sitting there, focusing on my limitations doesn’t bring me closer to my change.  In order to see the change we want, we must get up and prepare for God’s move. It’s not enough to simply say I want to move forward. I have to be willing to take action. I have to be in  position to move. That means I have to stop blaming others and stop procrastinating. 

Your miracle is waiting for you to get up and get it.

Lord, help me to take the actions needed to move forward in my life. Where I am still sitting because of procrastination, fear, lack of strength, strengthen me and propel me forward.