A Better Idea

You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world— 1 John 4:4


The man at the pool of Bethesda just wanted Jesus to take him down to the water (see John 5). But Jesus had a better idea. His plan for the man was threefold: Jesus asked the impossible, He removed all possibility for a relapse, and He expected continued success.

First, He said, "Rise" (verse 8). He asked the impossible. How easily this man could have said, "What do you mean, 'Get up'? I can't move." But Jesus commanded him to do it. The calling of God is the enabling of God. If God tells you to do something, then it means it can be done. This man took a literal step of faith.

Second, Jesus commanded the man to take up his bed. This was to make no provision for a relapse. In other words, "Get up. Take up your bed. Don't leave it there. There will be no turning back." A lot of people never make that break with their past. So Jesus said, "That is not the way it's going to be. You get up and follow Me."

Third, Jesus said, "Walk." He was saying, "I want practical results. Don't plan on being carried. Get up on your feet and walk and start moving forward." Jesus was expecting continued success.

The question is, do you really want to change? If so, then Jesus is calling you. Whatever you are doing, whatever is holding on to you, you can change. I know it is hard, but God is more powerful. Greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world. The power of God is greater than any other power there is.