It has been a busy, few months and I haven’t made the time to write as often as I’d like to. Here in Chicago, we’ve gone from wearing snow boots to t-shirts and flip flops and back to snow, in just a matter of weeks! I’d like to think that I wouldn’t be drinking hot chocolate into April and maybe we could plant the seedlings that have started to sprout in my Aerogarden. Instead, I’m afraid a mid-Spring snowfall will kill them! For some reason, this year’s Winter seems to be lingering way too long and it seems like Spring just can’t break through.

I am definitely someone who is affected by things I can’t control, like the weather. This is reflected in my thoughts, actions and how I interact with others. Give me a day of sunshine and no matter the circumstances I am determined to make the best of it. On the other hand, if it’s bad weather, I will try and find reasons to complain, even for insignificant things, (i.e. my fave water bottle has been missing for 2 weeks so I can’t keep my commitment to drink more water!).

Heart Check

Earlier this week, I was listening to some Bible teaching that referenced the story of the paralytic man at the pool of Bethesda, in Jerusalem. The Aramaic word Bethesda means “house of mercy” or “house of grace” in English. The people held the belief that an angel would come to stir the waters at the pool, and the first one to get in would be healed from whatever health problems they had. In John 5, we read that Jesus was walking near the pool and His eye caught a man who had been paralyzed for 38 years. Many others with physical limitations were also gathered around. Jesus, knowing the man’s circumstances and the condition of the man’s heart, asked him a very simple question, “Do you want to be healed?”

Let’s pause for a minute. Being the straightforward person that I am (at least my husband says so!) if I were the paralytic person, I would have a smart-aleck response ready for anyone who asked me that. As if anyone enjoyed being paralyzed? Who wouldn’t want to be healed and rescued from living a life of begging for money and resources? Who wants a life of separation, away from society and all that life could offer? I didn’t choose to be paralyzed. However, the man didn’t respond with sarcasm and instead replied by saying that someone always gets in the pool before him and takes his chance away (paraphrased version).  

Tusting God In The Process

I know from experience if you’ve experienced loss, it feels like you’ve earned the right to an extended pity party. Honestly, who will argue with you if you don’t want to step out and rejoin society? I have been there myself and have wept openly in God’s presence about how uncomfortable it is. Each time, I’m reminded how patient and loving our God is, a sanctuary for the tired. He doesn’t ignore our rollercoaster of emotions. Psalm 23 reminds us that He makes a way for us to be restored and back on a path to wholeness. He does this in quiet times, when you’re alone and also in community with others, if you’re willing. Friends, do not let the circumstances of your loss be your guide on how to respond to God’s provisions. The question “Do you want to be healed?” elicits a different story and set of responses from each of us. Still, at the core the question is the same- Do we trust God to provide? Will you sense the Holy Spirit moving and recognize when God stirs the waters of your life?