In the healing of the paralyzed man at the pool of Bethesda (see John 5:1–16), Jesus knew that for 38 years, the man had been flat on his back, unable to do anything for himself or others, no matter how hard he struggled.
In the case of the woman oppressed with a spirit of infirmity (see Luke 13:10–13), Jesus knew that the woman had been bowed over for 18 years. And in that condition, she saw very little that was beautiful in life, only the dusty ground, dirty sandals and bruised feet.
What about the man with a withered hand (see Luke 6:6–10)? Jesus knew from His carpenter days how a useless hand could have easily given the man a very poor sense of self-worth.
I believe that all three of them must have struggled for so long to get back on their feet, to try to lift themselves up, to attempt to do something about their situations, only to be disappointed each time they failed. In fact, they got so frustrated with striving to get better that by the time they met Jesus, they had probably given up trying to change their situations.
It was then that Jesus came and extended His offer to turn their situations around. And when they embraced His offer, they received the miracles that they had sought for so long.
You too may have been struggling to get back on your feet, or to lift yourself out of the problem that has sorely weighed you down. You have attempted to do whatever you could, hoping that it would amount to something, but you have been frustrated time and again. My friend, God wants you to cease from all your struggling and accept the offer He extends to turn your situation around.
It is no coincidence that all three of them received their miracles on the Sabbath, the day of rest for the Jews. God’s Word says, “There remains therefore a rest for the people of God.” The day you cease from your own laboring and striving, and rest in the finished work of Christ, is the day you receive your miracle.
Jesus has done all the work. Whatever you need has been provided for at the cross. So just be at rest and receive your miracle!
"I'M HERE TO TELL YOU" EDITOR'S NOTE
May I remind you again why Jesus came? He came to heal you, He came to provide for you. He came to save you! Like Pastor Price says, God wants you to cease from your striving and struggles and rest in the finished work of Jesus. Do you need reminding that Jesus' work at the cross is finished? Do you remember that He has provided all you'll ever need? He knows what you need He also knows what you want - even better than you do. Do you need to be reminded that His death saved you and that you died with Him and rose with Him and that you are a brand new creation? All you want and all you need are in His hands. He is ready, willing and certainly able to give these blessings to you. You need to stop trying and allow Him to do them and accept His free gifts. May I remind you that it's Jesus and Jesus alone that will answer all of life's questions? Today, pray that God the Father will continue to show you His Son's beauty and power and ask Him to do for you want you can never do for yourself. May I remind you?
