When our problems overwhelm us, we can feel a sense of hopelessness and despair. Maybe you are feeling overwhelmed today as you face life challenges. As Jesus returned to Jerusalem to attend a Jewish Feast, there was also other work for Him. John 5:2 Inside the city, near the Sheep Gate, was the pool of Bethesda, with five covered porches. 3 Crowds of sick people—blind, lame, or paralyzed—lay on the porches. 5 One of the men lying there had been sick for thirty-eight years.[1]
The people gathered by the pool were unaware that God Himself was in their midst as Jesus walked by them to minister to a sick man. Sometimes, we think God is unaware of our situation, but that is untrue. Jesus knew each person’s condition and is also aware of your situation. Jesus could have healed each person but chose to minister to this specific man. From our perspective, we don’t always understand what God is doing, but we simply must trust Him above all else.
Looking Up to Jesus
No matter the problems we face, with faith in Jesus, we don’t face them alone. As we look to Jesus, we can see beyond today to tomorrow. As a pastor, I have sat with many people filled with peace and joy during their last hours because they chose to look beyond this world. Other people may not be in their last hour but look beyond their illness or handicap to lead productive lives.
I remember meeting a man who was born with only one arm yet was filled with the joy of the Lord. This man would marry, have two children, and then adopt twenty additional children. The greatest gift this man and wife gave to their children was raising them in a Christian home so they could know Jesus.
Giving Your Cares to the Lord.
Psalm 55:22Give your burdens to the Lord, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall. [2] Our heavenly Father wants to carry our burdens. To be burdened is to be weighed down or feel overloaded. Even small things in life can seem overwhelming if we dwell on them. If you feel overwhelmed today, take your burden to the cross of Jesus.
Once we have given our burden to the Lord, He assumes its responsibility and promises to sustain and uphold us. As we give our burden to the Lord, we must trust Him and know that He will carry it for us, just as His words say. I have always found great hope in what Jesus says. John 16:33 I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth, you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart because I have overcome the world. [3]
To learn what to do when our problems overwhelm us, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/healing-at-a-pool
[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.