Ready to Give Up

Have you almost stopped believing God will change your situation? After 38 years, one man by a pool heard Jesus ask, “Do you want to be healed?”

“One man was there who had been an invalid for thirty-eight years” (John 5:5).

This man’s situation looked helpless and hopeless, like nothing ever would work.

He continued to wait by the pool, believing that God could help him “when the water is stirred up” (v. 7). Whoever was then first to step into the water would be healed. Year after year, he waited for another chance, but nothing ever changed.

Jesus “saw him lying there and knew that he had already been there a long time.” With a simple question, He confronted the man: “Do you want to be healed?” (v. 6). This question suggested a balance of sound mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual health.

Then Jesus merely spoke a word, and the man was made completely whole!

Today, Jesus asks the same question of people young and old, from every type of background: “Do you want to be healed?” (v. 6) What about you? Are you content to simply live with the problems and conditions you face? Do you really believe that God can intervene in your life?

Even now, Jesus is ready to hear you and give you what you need—whatever you’ve been waiting for. Jesus is asking: What do you want? Do you believe I can answer your questions and solve your problems? Do you really believe I can heal you and perform miracles in your life? Answer “Yes!” and be made whole. Don’t doubt, but believe!

Reflection Question: Tell a friend about what Jesus has done for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Jesus ask a sick man if he wanted to be healed—wasn’t it obvious?

The question exposed whether the man had settled into his condition as identity; long-term struggles can create a resignation that needs to be named before change is welcomed.

Does this passage mean God will heal every physical illness if we ask?

This account shows Jesus’ compassion and power to heal, but Scripture elsewhere shows healing isn’t guaranteed in every case this side of eternity; trust in God’s goodness holds even without a promised outcome.

How do I answer Jesus’ question, “Do you want to be healed?”, honestly?

Take time to notice whether any part of you has grown comfortable with, or defined by, a long-standing struggle, and bring that honestly to God rather than assuming the answer is automatically yes.