Maj

                        The Paralyzed Man/Woman:  John 5 

  It says that Jesus said, "Take up your bed and walk.", and the man got up, picked up his mat and walked. That’s how I see it. Jesus spoke - and the man, compelled by supernatural power, got to his feet and began to walk. But what if the man had to believe? What if he, in that moment, got challenged with many fears?  His legs had not worked for 38 years. (Sounds a lot like middle age). What if he failed to be healed?  What if he had to push himself up to his hands and knees with his body falling under the strain? He would look stupid. That would be embarrassing. He was probably dizzy from the equilibrium change. What would his sick friends around the pool think? 

  And then it happened. After much struggle, he stood. A miracle for him. He had never used his legs. Here comes the first step. It’s shaky. Then another. Now the ne-sayers are applauding and want a piece of the action.They want to be his best friend because Jesus has given him a miracle and he’s going to be famous now. Now he’s walking. No ones more surprised then he is.

  Now lets relate this to the call we all have to do something beyond ourselves, but we're paralyzed. We have never done anything outside of what's expected.  We stay in the status quo. But Jesus has always known we could walk in new things if we just believed and he’s coming to visit us. He’s asking why are you still paralyzed? Like the man at the pool of Bethesda, we give our excuses and blame others. But Jesus insists -  Get up and walk in that which I’ve called you. We’re instantly hit with multiple fears -  what will people think; I’m too old; I’m too young; I’ll look stupid trying; what if I fail; I just need to stay in my boundaries and not draw attention to myself. But the fact that JESUS said to get up means ~ YOU CAN WALK IF YOU TRY ~ Yes, you have to try! You have to look foolish or awkward for a moment. You have to struggle to stand. You have to press past the dizzy head and the weak muscles and stand. Then you have to take the first step. By now you have peoples attention. They didn’t believe you would even try. They thought you had settled for your mediocre life like they did.  No one ever expected you’d start that business or that charity, or go on the mission field or adopt a child at your age, or change jobs or cities etc... You are a BELIEVER now. A real one.