Do You Want to Be Made Well?

“When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he already had been in that condition a long time, He said to him, ‘Do you want to be made well?’” —John 5:6 (NKJV)

A young man in his early 20s was encouraged by his parents to go up for prayer during one of our services and he brought his beautiful girlfriend up with him. I asked him if he wanted to be healed, and his answer shocked me—he said no!

You see, this good looking young man was totally blind. When he gave me that response, I said, "You might change your mind if you could see your girlfriend." He laughed and said, "Pastor, I am content with my blindness—I don't want to be healed. I lost my sight 6 years ago and my world has changed, but I’m at peace with it." 

I respect his personal decision; however… I would assume most people want to be well. 

That is the question we all need to ask ourselves, "Do I want to be made well?" Finding healing and freedom is not all reliant on God's end—there are some things we must do. 

The first thing is to have an acknowledgment of the problem and a desire to be made well. Secondly, it may require some effort on our part. The Bible reminds us that "faith without works is dead." Faith requires some degree of effort.

For example, if you want to be mentally and emotionally healthy, you must learn to take your thoughts captive, discipline your words and attitudes, and, if needed, seek wise counsel—even from a therapist. If you desire healing from cancer, it will require more than prayer alone—you’ll need to nourish your body well, quit smoking and drinking alcohol (both known carcinogens), stay active, and follow the guidance of your doctor. And if you want your marriage to experience true wholeness, it begins with self-awareness—honestly acknowledging your part, taking responsibility, and committing to becoming the best version of yourself.

In other words, God's healing for us both emotionally, physically and relationally will require change on our part—something that isn't always easy to do. We are reminded that we are "co-laborers with Christ." Grace initiates (God's part), but faith participates (our part). Often we want change, but not the process.

When Jesus asked the man who had been paralyzed for 38 years, “Do you want to be made well?” the question can seem almost silly—of course he wants to be healed. But Jesus wasn’t merely addressing his condition; He was confronting his readiness.

I often wonder why it took so long for God to deliver or heal people—then I realize, we're not waiting on God as much as God is waiting on us. Put yourself in the position to receive. It is easy to stay stuck in habits or old mindsets and get comfortable in dysfunction. If you continue to blame others, sulk in unforgiveness, hold onto your pride, stubbornness and flimsy excuses, then you're not ready to be made well. 

Do you want to be made well? Humble yourself and take the steps today—it's never too late! God just might be waiting on you.