It was a simple question, “Do you wish to be well?” But this yes or no question was answered with an excuse and self-pity. “I have been laying here for a long time. I have no one to help me. Others are faster than I am. Life is not fair. Woe is me.”

But Jesus did not respond to the excuse. Jesus spoke a word and 38 years of excuses became meaningless. 38 years of sickness suddenly was gone. 38 years of pain was instantly healed. One word from Jesus redeemed 38 years of “I can’t.”

Jesus is extending the same question to us today, “Do you wish to get well?” And we, like the man who had been sick for 38 years, answer with excuses:

My parents abused me.
My husband left me.
I’ve had to rely on me my whole life.
No one loves me.
I’m wired that way.
I was born on the wrong side of the tracks.
It’s hereditary (generational).
I grew up in a dysfunctional household.

Yes, your sorrow is real. Yes, life has treated you unfairly. Yes, the playing field is often uneven. But Jesus has come to give you joy for your sorrow, life abundantly, and an unfair advantage. He has come to redeem your past and restore your future.

Friends, Jesus stands before you today just as He stood before that invalid 2000 years ago. And He is saying, “I’m bigger than your past. I am more powerful than your family’s history. My acceptance is is greater than any rejection. Let go of the excuses and today, BE HEALED.”

Receive His healing today.

“A man was there who had been ill for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he had already been a long time in that condition, He said to him, “Do you wish to get well?” The sick man answered Him, “Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up, but while I am coming, another steps down before me.” Jesus said to him, “Get up, pick up your pallet and walk.” Immediately the man became well, and picked up his pallet and began to walk. Now it was the Sabbath on that day.”
‭‭John‬ ‭5:5-9‬ ‭NASB