Do You Want to Get Well?

I am writing this blog from the Holy Land!

It’s been amazing to see all the Biblical sights. I have a deep trust in the Bible – for lots of reasons.

·      I believe it’s God’s Word given to us so we can know him and the life he has for us.

·      There is all kinds of evidence based on the number of copies and when they were written.

·      The impact it’s had on my life.

·      And so much more.

So, I don’t need to “see it to believe it” but … it’s been so cool to see it, and a great confirmation. Places that were just on pages in the Bible are now places I’ve been and seen with my own eyes.

It also helps me to revisit the stories.

Like today we went to the pool of Bethesda. In John, chapter 5, we see Jesus go to this pool where there was a legend that a sick person could be healed if they were the first one in when the waters were stirred by an angel. Jesus goes to a man who had been laying by the pool for 38 years, but unable to get in the pool because his legs were paralyzed. Jesus asks this man, “Do you want to get well?”

That seems like an absurd question. Kind of like asking someone in line at McDonald’s, “Do you want food here?” Or asking someone in the hospital, “Would you like to get better?”

It seems absurd, but I don’t think Jesus was in the habit of asking unnecessary questions. I think he had a reason for asking. And I’ve come to believe that there are actually lots of reasons someone may not want to get well.

·      They may be comfortable being not well because they’ve been not well for so long.

·      They may like the attention they get because they’re sick.

·      They may have grown to rely on help from others.

Can I ask you a question: Do you want to get well?

I mean, really, deep down, do you want to get well?

It’s an important question because Jesus can help you get well. He wants to, but he is too much of a gentleman to force himself on you.

As you begin a new year, do you want to continue laying in whatever you’re struggling with, or would you like this to be the year when you finally get up and walk?

If you want to get well, I believe Jesus can bring healing. That is what he did for the man at the pool of Bethesda.

And if you want to get well, and there’s some way the counselors at Renewing Life can help, that’s what we’re here for, and we’d love to walk with you into the new life Jesus has for you. Call to make an appointment at 702-434-7290.

Jennifer Antonucci, M.A., LMFT, LCADC