Taking a step of faith

Today’s Reading: John 5:8-11(NIV)

8 Then Jesus said to him, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.” 9 At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked. The day on which this took place was a Sabbath, 10 and so the Jews said to the man who had been healed, “It is the Sabbath; the law forbids you to carry your mat.” 11 But he replied, “The man who made me well said to me, ‘Pick up your mat and walk.’”

Memory Verse: “Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.” (Romans 15:7 ESV)

Good day!

There is nothing more thrilling than watching a baby-turned-toddler walk unassisted for the very first time. Wobbly little sailor legs begin to gain stability, as tiny toes grip the carpeted floor. Their look of sheer joy denotes a sense of accomplishment and pride. When a child walks, parent and grandparents stop to cheer! There are no words for such a historic moment in time.

For the ones who are daily confined to bed or in a wheelchair, there is nothing more glorious than the hope of one day rising up and walking unassisted. We see the possibilities of miraculous transformation. It was that hope alone that brought the invalid to Bethesda every day. Can you imagine the inexpressible joy he must have felt as he picked up his mat and walked for the very first time in thirty-eight years? How in the world could such a miracle be seen as sin? The Jews who watched him with their very own eyes were more concerned about the breaking of a Sabbath rule than the healing that had just occurred in the man’s life. How would you respond to such a convoluted question? If you were suddenly free to stand up and walk after years of confinement, would you honestly be more concerned about whether you should carry a mat, or be about telling the world what Christ has done for you?

Be careful! It is easy to get wrapped up in our rituals, traditions and protocol, that we somehow miss recognizing the miracle happening right before our eyes. We must be willing to risk laying down our sacred cows, if we want to experience the freedom that comes with rising up in His Spirit. What things hold you back from receiving God’s best for you today?

When Christ calls you to get up, pick up your mat and walk, do not let that mat get in your way from receiving God’s best. A step of faith begins with simple obedience.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

I long to lay aside manmade rules and fully receive the miracle you have fashioned for me. Help me to rise up and walk, in Jesus’ name, Amen.

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© Copyright 2008, Deb Spaulding

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