One of my favorite stories in the Bible is about the Lame Man. If you recall in that story, Jesus asked the Lame Man if he wanted to get well. Earlier in my career as a neuropsychologist, I thought that was an odd question for Jesus to ask. I thought surely the man wanted to get well or he wouldn’t be hanging out by the pool, hoping someone would push him in.
The lame man would have to do some work
I think the reason Jesus specifically asked the man if he wanted to get well was two-fold. The first reason Jesus asked the question was because He knew the lame man was going to have to do some work. Jesus knew He was going to ask the man to “pick up his mat and walk.” So the man had to be invested enough that he was willing to participate in his own healing.
Healing would change the lame man’s identity
But the other reason I think Jesus asked the question was because Jesus knew this was going to change the man’s identity. He was no longer going to be the lame man. He was going to have to work for a living. He couldn’t take handouts anymore. He was going to be a freed, healed, and whole man.
Let God do the work!
As a neuropsychologist, I appreciate Jesus wanting the man’s participation. There is definitely a part we have to play. But recently, I’ve heard several people comment to the effect of “I’m just trying so hard to change.” Change can be a good thing, and I believe God does want us invested in our own healing process. So I don’t want you to misunderstand what I’m saying here. But it’s so important for us to recognize and accept that God is the one responsible for doing the changing. God is the one who does the healing. God is the one who does the restoration.
We have a part to play
While we have a part to play, part of the way we do that is to stay in His word, to pray, and to be obedient to His prompting.
“May God himself, the God who makes everything holy and whole, make you holy and whole, put you together—spirit, soul, and body—and keep you fit for the coming of our Master, Jesus Christ. The One who called you is completely dependable. If he said it, he’ll do it!” (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 MSG)
As you are thinking about the changes you need to make in your life and reflecting on how you want to be different and to become more like Christ, I encourage you, be in His word. But take some of that weight and pressure off your shoulders and remember that God will do the changing.
We started off discussing Jesus and the Lame Man. Yes, Jesus expected the man to pick up his mat and walk, but it was Jesus who performed the miracle and ultimately healed the man. Likewise, Jesus will be walking with you through the power of His Holy Spirit turning you more and more into His likeness every day.
Prayer for Trusting God to Do the Work
May I Pray For You?
Father, I come before you, lifting up the one who is reading these words today. Father you know we desire to please you, to honor you, to glorify you. Help us to know what you would have us to do, and after we’ve done our part, help us to rest and trust you for the outcome. Thank you that you are always in the process of transforming us more and more into your likeness. We love you Lord. In Jesus’s name, Amen.
What do you like best about the story of the lame man? Please share with us in the comments.
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So appreciate this message!! Helps me understand my role in the healing I so desire in my life. Also gives me great encouragement to share with others who need healing or a change in their life. Thank you, Dr. Michelle, for your Hope-Filled Perspective, so practical for our every day lives and touches my heart deeply. I do want to do my part and let God do His part. He is my healer, restorer and the one who will do any changing in me. Love you!
Thank you Karen. You’re always such a sweet encouragement.
I love this story – it’s one of my favorites. So often we SAY we want to change but still behave and act in the same ways. Transformation is hard and comes down to faith. Do we believe in the one enough to become more like Him?
Yes, Donna, I agree with you. It comes down to faith and obedience. We always have a choice, but His way is best.
Amen – always the best balance!
I think so too, Sue. Now to make sure I remember that.
How true! Chronicles 19:13 says it this way, “Be of good courage, and let us behave ourselves valiantly for our people, and for the cities of our God: and let the Lord do that which is good in his sight.” My word this year is “courage” and in doing a word study this was the verse that stuck with me. God has on numerous occasions confirmed this, and leading me to this post is one more. Many Thanks 8)
I love to see God confirm things for us…He knows we need that. Glad this post did that for you.
And, He does it so much better than we can!
Boy isn’t that the truth?! And I’m grateful for it.
Our culture keeps telling us to just try harder, to pull ourselves up by our bootstraps, to want it more, but Jesus says we should go to Him and rest in what He has already done. Our part is to seek His heart and let Him accomplish the good work He began in us! Blessings, friend! xoxo
This is such a great reminder of our part and His!
I had never thought about why Jesus asked this question- thanks.
Great post! The Lord looks for a willing and surrendered heart. He wants us to trust Him and be willing to abandon outcomes to Him. Fear often paralyzes us, leaving us “lame” or stuck. I know in my depression I prayed for the Lord to do His part my way, and nothing happened. It was onlh when I yielded and trusted Him that He healed me.It was amazing, He wanted deeper intimacy with me, not just to make me happy. He in His love wants the absolute best for us. We usually don’t have a clue to what that is.What a sweet, loving Father we have!