Focus: Questions to Settle

Text: Jh.5:6

"Wilt thou be made whole?"

At the pool of Bethesda, Jesus met a man who had been there for a long time - for 38 years. John describes him as being impotent - a kind of paralysis. The man was barely alive - alive but unwell. Jesus met him powerlessly, helplessly and hopelessly lying down, and after his encounter with Christ, John describes him as having been 'made whole,' 'cured,' and 'healed' - using different Greek words.

*First question

Jesus asked him a straightforward question, "Do you want to get well?" Life begins from the point of knowing what you want. Life is about what you want for yourself, not what other people, circumstances, or societal influences impose on you. Jesus is asking you now, what do you want - wellness or weakness, gladness or sadness, loveliness or ugliness, courage or cowardice, goodness or badness? What do you really want out of life? Do you want to live life as it is or live it as it is meant to be? You must not let this year be about what happens, but about what you want. Don't let this year be about what life throws at you, but about what you are willing to make happen. Jesus says, "What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them" (Mk.11:24). It takes intense desire and dogged determination to succeed in life.

*Second question

Jesus asked a blind man, "What wilt thou that I shall do unto thee?" (Lk.18:41). This year, what do you want God to do for you? What are your issues or dreams? The Lord is giving you an open cheque. He is asking you, 'What do you want from me? How may I help you? Do you want my presence and power?' Be sure of what you want God to do for you. Solomon wanted God's wisdom, and he got it, and even more. The blind man was so sure of himself and instantly responded, "Lord, that I may receive my sight" (Lk.18:41). That is straight to the point. Tell God what you want Him to do for you. This is your moment.

I believe you need wellness and wholeness in every aspect of your life, and you can't afford to settle for less. No sickness or ailment is bearing your name on it. No evil is designed with your name on it. Poverty is not your destiny. Suffering is not your destiny. Desire God and the good things He has to offer. Determine to live better and achieve greater for God's glory.

*Let God help you

Life is really hard and tough for so many people, and it is even harder and tougher without God. God did not make you to exist or function independently of Him. It is a disaster of the highest degree to try to live and work without the help of God. Jesus says, "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; HOW OFTEN would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and YE WOULD NOT! " (Lk.13:34). Jerusalem was destroyed by the Romans in 70 A.D. for refusing the help of Christ. Let God help you. Don't be the reason for your own failure or lack of success.

*The God-factor

The psalmist declares, "DELIGHT thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the DESIRES of thine heart" (Ps.37:4).

Treasure and pleasure belong together. Treasure God, and you will have the best of pleasures. Be fond of God; He is real fun for the soul. Surely, He will grant your petitions or desires.

by Bishop Moses E. Peter