Do You Want to Be Made Well?

In the Gospel of John Jesus asks a man who is clearly suffering, “Do you want to be made well?” (John 5:2-6). At first, it seems like a silly question. If you were sick, of course, you would want to be made well. Who wouldn’t? But the truth is sometimes we get used to being the way that we are. We get used to our habits, our routines, and our lives, even when these habits, routines, and lives aren’t as healthy as they could be. And sometimes change appears to be more difficult than coping with the illness itself. 

Sometimes we need to let Jesus ask us this question, “Do you want to be made well?” 

 Now it is true that sometimes our answer to that question may be a resounding yes, and yet we still do not get the physical healing that we long for. It is also true that we may be willing to change or do whatever it takes, and the healing still doesn’t come. Even the Apostle Paul does not get the healing that he seeks (See 2 Corinthians 12:5-9).  

However, it’s still a good question – especially as it relates to our spiritual lives. Are we willing to let go of past hurts, grudges, and wrongs to offer forgiveness? Are we willing to do the hard work of changing unhealthy habits or routines? Are we willing to ask for the help we may need? Sometimes the healing we seek is within our reach. 

May you be open to Jesus’ question. And, more importantly, may you be open to the change he may desire to bring. And in doing so, I pray that you would find your soul being made well. 

Let us pray: Loving God, we want to be made well. We need your healing and your grace even now. Grant us the serenity to accept what we cannot change. Grant us the courage to change what we can. And grant us the wisdom to know the difference. In Jesus’ name. Amen.