Do You Want to Get Well?

There is no doubting women who have experienced betrayal are victims. We often feel paralyzed and powerless. However, when we don’t let go of being “the victim”, God cannot heal us or use us for his best purposes. We don’t want to stay in a victim mindset. 

When Jesus confronted the man (paralyzed for 38 years) who had quit trying and had given up hope at the pool of Bethesda, Jesus asked, “Do you want to get well?”

The first time I really studied this chapter (in John, chapter 5) all I could think about were men who didn’t try or refused to get help for sex addiction. They are stuck, much like the paralyzed man, coming up with excuses for why it isn’t possible. 

But as I dug deeper, I realized I had been doing nothing to get well, —I was stuck, too! Shame kept me from reaching out for help. I was embarrassed and saddened by the state of my marriage, so I isolated myself. 

I had to come to the realization, that unless I did specific things (such as listening to and believing truth from God’s Word about who I am) to put me on a path of healing, it would not happen. 

I also needed Christian women and counselors to encourage me and offer support. By God’s grace, healing began once I decided to trust Jesus for help.

Please let me offer encouragement: If you’re still waiting on something to change, first you must decide—just like the paralyzed man—if you want to get well! God never uses force—each person needs to decide for themself.

God’s approach is always tender and compassionate. He is never harsh, nor does He shame us, but He doesn’t heal if we don’t want to be healed. Allow his gentle hands and mighty (raise people from the dead) power to wash over you. 

He wants you whole again. Say YES.