JOHN 5:8-9

Then Jesus said to him, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.” 

At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked. The day on which this took place was a Sabbath

TO PONDER

We have had a few occasions as a family where mobility has been an issue. Most recently, our son broke his leg and was in a full cast and wheelchair for a number of months. As you can imagine, expecting a seven year old boy to simply be immobile for that long was not really an option. Creative solutions were needed to make sure that he could still get to school safely, spend time with his friends at break time and also attend his sporting activities, even if it meant more observation than participation for a time. He didn’t want his limitations to stop him from being involved in life, so we found ways to help him.

This is true of us in our faith lives also. We all have limitations, however Jesus doesn’t want those to stop us from getting involved in our lives and the work He is calling us to. He didn’t want the limitation of our sin to stop us being in relationship with the Father, so he took care of that on the cross, and he didn’t want us to be lacking when we are called into His work, so He left us His Holy Spirit. Jesus is inviting each of us to get up and walk, let’s be ready when he does, knowing that if He calls us to it, he also gives us what we need to get it done!

PRAYER: Jesus, thank you for your gift of healing and your invitation to join you in your work here on earth. Help me to now focus on my lack or limitations, but to instead focus on your power and Holy Spirit at work within me. Thank you that I never walk alone, you go before me as a guide, beside me as a friend and behind me as an encourager, Amen.

Today's devotion written by Elise von Stanke, LifeWay Newcastle