“The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me.”
John 5:7 KJV
I know many people can reasonate with this man. If you were to ask a minimum of 5 people about their life experiences, I bet 4/5 if not 5/5 will say “I wanted to do this and that but I had no man to help me. My wealthy relative didn’t show up. My friends let me down. So and so could’ve but didn’t. I have no man to take me to the pool.” I remember some years ago that was my tune. I couldn’t understand why people didn’t show up and I learned a little later in life that I had locked myself into an “entitlement” mindset. I had limited God’s ability to help me without using particular people whom l thought had the solutions. The bible says he was an invalid for 38 years because there was no man to help him. Perhaps for some, it is not a matter of wanting or not wanting to be well. It is a matter of having the community needed in order to be made well.
The right people to open the door refusing to unlock it for you. Painful isn’t it? I am sure he had tried to crawl to the pool many times and just didn’t make it on “time”. Timing is important as well. Not only having people who can help but who can help on time. At the end of the day it doesn’t matter if he tried to crawl or not, what matters is did he get in? The world can give leniency for a period of time after which your complaint becomes an excuse. At 50 you can’t still be saying “l didn’t finish school because of my parents” no. An 18 year old can make that statement but not a 40 year old. You cannot sit and wallow in self pity forever. No matter how painful it may feel to not have anyone to help, excuses don’t bring healing.
Healing only comes for those who want it. This man wanted to be healed and he was patiently waiting by the pool. Evidently the man could get around to some degree, but was not fast enough to be the first into the pool. I love that it showed the man had character in his persistence. He kept trying and did not give up. As difficult as the task was in getting up and getting into the pool, he was not deterred. The man could have said, “It is no use. I will go home and die.” God had a plan for this man. He stayed, in position. He didn’t throw away the cv and stop applying for jobs. She doesn’t stop building character because no man has said “marry me”. We do not stop. We persist. We stay positioned.
Not having people to help you doesn’t mean you won’t get the help. I know it’s been too long and it feels like you’ll die on the mat. Those who came to Bethesda after you seem have gotten their healing, they’re living their best life now. Those who came with you have left, they can no longer associate with invalids. You’ve been an invalid too long even your mind has been affected. I came to say today; you are never alone. Help is coming. It comes unexpectedly. It locates you. Despite the numbers of people at the pool, when help comes, it will handpick YOU! God will not confuse me with anyone, He will come to me and help me!
Your attitude during this time matters. It’s not only about staying in position or having the desire to breakthrough – your attitude matters. Many people have chased away destiny helpers, good friends, people sent to help them. Many people have stinking attitude and they wonder why they’re alone at the pool. Nobody sticks around invalids, what more a rude invalid. Am I saying you should be a walk over because you’re in need? Certainly not! I’m saying don’t be on a high horse when you don’t have feet to get you down. I know many gifted people who crashed because of how they treated destiny helpers. “Do you want to get well?” … “Sir, do you think I’d be here if I didn’t want to? Do you think I am not serious about life? In my situation, would you not want to be well? I have no one to help me, so stop asking questions!” That’s how some of us have treated destiny helpers. We wonder why it’s been 38 years! How do you treat people?! Nobody wants to help entitled rude people not even God! He says humble yourself in-order to get your lifting..
Lose the pride! Lose the entitlement mentality! No your pastor shouldn’t run to your house every-time you have problems because he’s scared you’ll say “pastors aren’t nice people!” I’m sorry but people won’t always be there to nurse your feelings. Get it from me – people will not always be there. When are you going to stand on your own feet? Lose the short lived faith! Stay in position! Look unto Jesus – you’re fixated on people too much! Lose the anger at people who didn’t put you in that position – do not take out your temper on people who did nothing to you. Lose the bitterness- marah is not your name! Lose the spirit that makes you give up after just one trial! You may not win at the first trial so keep on keeping on! Lose the “l don’t care about life anymore” at the face of problems – those who do know their God shall be strong! And when help comes , LOSE THE MAT! Get up and go! Many people are still sitting on mats they have been told to get up from years ago. You sit because your mind is the invalid. When help comes my darling, receive it and walk.
Meditate on this passage today. Ask God to give you understanding. Have a good day 💜
