Jesus healing the lame or crippled man

,Jesus met a man who had been crippled for thirty-eight long years and asked him if he wanted to get well. Don't you think that would have been apparent? The invalid said, "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." Jesus said to him, "Get up! Pick up your mat and walk." The man was healed; he picked up his mat and walked (John 5:6-8).

Another time a blind man cried out for Jesus to have mercy on him. Jesus asked him what he wanted. Don't you think it would have been obvious? The man replied, "Rabbi, I want to see." Jesus said, "Go, your faith has healed you." Immediately the man could see (Mark 10:51-52).

Jesus thinks it is important for people to be specific about what they want Him to do. We might go to church because we consider ourselves spiritually sick, but the feeling leaves when the worship service is over. We seem to be content in our sin when forgiveness and eternal life await the one who confesses his need before God.

THINK ABOUT IT

In the Bible story about ten lepers who came to Jesus and were healed, only one returned to thank Him. Jesus asked, "Were not all ten healed?" There is something intimate about asking God for specific help, receiving it and then, thanking Him for His blessings on us. Think how lives would change when people ask God for help, receive it and then take time to thank Him. It's about relationship.

We have an opportunity to be friends with a living God who loves and cares about what happens to us. He wants to bless us again and again. His blessings are limitless, and we don't have to worry about running out. We just need to ask, receive and give God thanks--often.

PRAY ABOUT IT

Heavenly Father, your word is filled with stories of your compassion and desire for relationships with people. Help us to want to talk with you about all that concerns us. Help us to be thankful when we recognize your presence, love and blessings in our lives. In Jesus' name, Amen.