“Then Jesus said, ‘Stand up. Pick up your mat and walk.’ And immediately the man was well; he picked up his mat and began to walk” (John 5:8-9 NCV).
I wish we would do that; I wish we would take Jesus at his word. What is this peculiar paralysis that confines us? This stubborn unwillingness to be helped or healed? When he says we’re forgiven, let’s unload the guilt. When he says we’re valuable, let’s believe him. When he says we’re eternal, let’s bury our fear. When he says we are provided for, let’s stop worrying. When he says, “Stand up,” let’s do it.
Is this your story? It can be. A gentle stranger has stepped into your hurting world and offered you a hand. Now it’s up to you to take it.
