larshaukeland

24 Look at the possibilities

Encouragement for difficult days (24):

LOOK AT THE POSSIBILITIES

“And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years.

When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole?

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 5:5-7

 One of the stories I remember vest from my childhood, is the story of Jesus coming to the pool of Bethesda. Bethesda means “house of grace”, and at a certain season, an angel would stir the water, and whoever got into the water first would get healed. When Jesus came to this man who had been sick for 38 years, He asked him “Do you what to be healed?” What a question! He has been waiting to be healed for over 30 years! However, the man does not reply “Yes, please!” or “I do!” He basically says “I can’t!” He sees the hindrances around him and explains to Jesus why he cannot get healed. Before we jump the gun and criticize this man, let me ask you: would we not have done the same?

When Jesus came to Bethesda, He came as the Son of God. He was a healer. Anyone who believed on Him could have been healed instantly. Yet, this man who had been an invalid for 38 years, he had seen many get healed and had waited patiently for his turn. However, he did something wrong.

1.       He judged the present by the past

Nothing paralyzes our lives like the attitude that things can never change. We need to remind ourselves that God can change things! God can forgive sin and put new power into lives that seem to be utter failures. God can send revival to a church that everyone thinks is dead. God can move a difficult situation and turn seeming failure into victory. God makes the difference! And for us to judge the present by the past is to limit God.

2.       He was seeing the problems and not the possibilities

This is what separates the optimist from the pessimist. The optimist sees the possibilities in the problems, and the pessimist sees the problems in the possibilities. One sees the opportunities, and the other sees the obstacles. The real basis for optimism is faith. When you bring God into the picture, even the greatest problem can become a great potential for blessing. If we only see the problems, we will be defeated; but if we see the possibilities in the problems, we can have victory.

3.       He was seeing what he didn’t have rather than what he did have

God always starts with what we have before He gives us what we need. What do you possess of abilities and talents? At least, you have faith. What did Moses have? His rod! And God did great things with that rod. Do we have talents or resources? It can all be used for the Lord, and then He’ll give us even more. The only thing God requires to work miracles in our lives, is faith. Remember Jesus’ words to a blind man; “According to your faith be it unto you!” He says the same to you and me.

Faith is the ultimate answer. With God, nothing is impossible!