This one gets a bit vulnerable and has a new segment at the bottom so don’t miss that!!

Our entire family is sick right now—but more than that, I’m just sick of myself. And when I say that, I mean all the ways I make excuses or justify the choices that keep me stuck. Let me explain.

In John 5, Jesus is near the pool of Bethesda, a place believed to have healing properties. It was known for attracting crowds of people who were blind, lame, paralyzed, or sick—all hoping for a miracle. Jesus notices a man who has been lying there for 38 years and asks him, “Do you want to get well?”

The man replies, “I can’t…” and gives a totally reasonable reason as to why he can’t. But his reason didn’t phase Jesus. It wasn’t about the reason. It was about the first part of his answer.. the defeated heart posture that spoke ”I can’t..”

That caught me off guard. Of course he wants to get well, right? But then it hit me... I have answered the same way to the things I have been struggling with. I have allowed my reasons and excuses to turn my “yes, I do.” into “I can’t.”

The truth is I’ve gained weight the last several years… and this is about me and my personal struggle so please don’t feel any unnecessary conviction on this topic. My reasons for not doing something about it sound logical on the surface: “I have knee pain every time I work out.” “When the kids are more independent, I’ll have time to focus on my health.” etc. But underneath it all, I’ve come to realize that I’ve grown complacent. It’s easier to embrace excuses and comfort eating than to face the hard work of change. It’s easier to say yes to what keeps me “on the ground” than it is to resist gluttony and turn to Jesus, the ultimate Comforter, when I’m stressed.

After spending some time with Him about the man He is calling me to be, I finally answered, “Yes, I want to get well.” And since then, something shifted. I’ve had a supernatural ability to say no to the wrong things and yes to the right ones. Excuses that used to hold me back don’t even come to mind anymore. I’m not joking. It really feels like he just took those desires and impulses and .

I don’t know if you’ve been holding onto reasonable reasons or justifying excuses for whatever struggle is keeping you stuck, but I want to encourage you to respond to Jesus with, “Yes, I want to get well.” You might just be amazed at what happens when you do.

Every time we watch a video lesson from Hillsdale we are just blown away by the depth that is in God‘s word! We probably wouldn’t see if it weren’t for amazing resources like what Hillsdale College provides! To learn more parallels in scripture, like how Moses’ name along is connected with his purpose from God, go sign up for Hillsdale’s FREE online courses! So thankful to partner with them!

Thank you for being a member of the Sunday Send! We love you & remember… you are God’s masterpiece!