Discouragement was a perpetual cloud hanging over the man by the Pool of Bethesda (John 5). Day after day, others received blessings. Their prayers and dreams came true, but his didn’t. Still, for years, his family brought him to the place of miracles. He watched. Then he even got angry. Others experienced joy, and he was disappointed. Not once, but often, too often.
Occasionally, you pat yourself on the back thinking, I’ve been faithful. If nothing else good happens to me, the least I can do is be faithful.
Those were some of the thoughts of the lame man, at least, on the good days. But then, there were other days when hope wavered. He thought maybe tomorrow or next week, and my waiting time will be over, no more what-ifs but a hallelujah.
Well, one day came for this invalid man. The Savior asked, “Do you want to be made well?” (John 5:6 NKJV). The man didn’t answer the question. Instead, he related his dilemma, saying no one would help him. “When I put forth my best effort, someone else gets the blessing.” Jesus listened for a bit and then said, “Rise, take up your bed and walk” (John 5:8 NKJV).
Faithfulness consistently exceeds expectations. Maybe not the way you wanted nor the way you expected. Sometimes not even in our lifetime. God has a way of keeping records. One thing is for sure, God will never be in debt to you, so don’t give up. There is a reward someday for you.
One further thought is that the healed man was found by the Lord in the temple worshipping God. So, like the healed man, if we can’t do anything else, we can worship.
