Today I was having a discussion with a friend about being in need, reaching out to God’s family and doing our own part in the miracle that God provides. We spoke on how sometimes some people have a tragic need and instead of them reaching out to the family of God for comfort, rest and restoration; they choose to sit in the dark cave they find themselves in a never light a candle. In other words, wallow in the despair. Why? I was told today that people mistake a quote from Benjamin Franklin taking it as scripture, “God helps those who help themselves.” It may not be scripture, but I do believe that there is evidence of it in the Bible.
There are many parables that speak about people having to wash their eyes or bathe in the waters. It didn’t matter what their circumstance or how disabled they were. They had to put some type of effort! One man was in the right place at the right time when Jesus saw that he couldn’t get to the swirling waters at the Bethesda pool. Jesus healed him. Could it have been in some small part because Jesus saw this man’s determination to be healed eventually, despite others stepping over him and getting to the waters before him? (John 5:1-15) What about the crippled woman in the synagogue? She had probably lain there many times waiting for a miracle. How could Jesus have seen here there to heal her if she decided not to show up that day? (Luke 13:10-17) Ah, then there are the many times when people were healed by faith! Jesus asked so many times if they had faith that He could heal them. So many times Jesus said, “Your faith has made you whole. Your faith has healed you.” (Matthew 9:27-34, Luke 17:11-19)
Why in this age and time do we feel that we are so privileged that we sit back in our Lazy boys and wait for the blessings? Not wait on the Lord kind of wait, but I’ll sit here and eat Cheetos and check my watch and impatiently wait! Can’t imagine what God thinks of us sometimes…
If there is a need, why not run to the sanctuary of arms of your family and friends at your church? Hello…. One body of Christ ring a bell? When you’re hurting because you can’t provide, why wouldn’t you go to your spiritual family as well as your natural family for support, however that may come? What’s worse, why lean your hand to your church for a hand up, but not lean your heart to your church for a heart lift?
It is imperative that we not lean to the understanding of this time and age where we take all and give nothing and demand ceaselessly. We are to lean on God and His people when we are in need, not just for material gratification, but a spiritual reconnection with God and one another. Maybe Jesus is asking while you’re sitting there with what seems to be nothing. He’s asking you, “Do you believe that I am able to do this? Do you want to be made well?” Have the faith of the people of Jesus’ time, the blind, the crippled, the mute and the deaf. He is longing to tell you, “Your faith has made you whole.”
Heavenly Father, as we come to the 'highlight' of the time we celebrate your birth, the miracle and gift that is You, we give you all praise and glory. We thank you for coming to Earth and giving us hope of salvation everlasting. Let us remember that you look for us to take part in the miracles and blessings you provide. We know that You can do all things, bless who you want to bless, heal who you want to heal, but the miracle could be so easily lost if we, ourselves don't invest in You. Without You, Jesus we are nothing and with Your mercy and grace we are fulfilled! In Jesus' precious holy name, amen!
