The Man at the Pool

During prayer time last Sunday morning I was reminded of the story in John 5 about the man who lay at the pool of Bethesda. The man had been an invalid for 38 years and was lying among many people with needs waiting for a miraculous healing. He was waiting for his answer in the only way he knew; which was to get into the pool first when the water was stirred. Since others were always able to beat him to the water, he continued to suffer. He could only see one way of receiving his answer. He had to find a more efficient method of getting in the water. He had faith that if he could get to the water first, he would get his healing, but his faith was limited by the method. He couldn't see any other way to get what he needed.

When Jesus appeared, the man found that an unlimited number of "methods" could be used to bring about his healing. Jesus asked him, Do you want to get well? The man gave his response based on his understanding of how things worked, saying that he didn't have anyone to help him to the water. To him, an answer to his prayer would have been for Jesus to give him a helper to wait with him until the next time the water was stirred. Jesus just bypassed all of his thinking and answered the need rather than the request.

We display our own undersized idea of God many times by praying for specific outcomes based on our understanding of the situation. It is fine to ask God for what you believe you need, but don't be surprised if the answer looks different than the request. The invalid asked for a helper. Jesus told him to get up and walk. Remember that God knows what you need. Trust Him to give you what you need.