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.

Because of Him, #HopePrevails

 

 

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Related Reading:

Do You Want To Get Well?

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