Finding Freedom: Overcoming Life's Stuck Moments
Summary
In today's message, we explored the concept of being "stuck" in life, using the metaphor of a roller coaster ride that unexpectedly halts. This idea of being stuck can manifest in various aspects of our lives, such as finances, relationships, health, or emotional well-being. We delved into the story from John 5, where Jesus encounters a man who had been paralyzed for 38 years at the pool of Bethesda, a place known for its healing properties. This man's condition serves as a powerful illustration of how we can become immobilized by our circumstances, waiting for a miracle that seems elusive.
The narrative highlights that Jesus is not repelled by our helplessness; rather, He is drawn to it. Jesus saw the man and asked him a seemingly obvious question: "Do you want to get well?" This question challenges us to examine whether we truly desire change or if we have become comfortable in our stuckness. The man's response, filled with excuses and self-pity, reflects a common human tendency to focus on our limitations rather than the possibilities that Jesus offers.
Jesus' command to the man—"Stand up, pick up your mat, and walk"—demonstrates His authority and power to transform our lives. It also signifies a call to action, urging us to leave behind the things that have defined our stuckness. The healing was not dependent on the man's faith but on Jesus' word, reminding us that God's power is not limited by our lack of faith or understanding.
As we reflect on this story, we are reminded that Jesus sees us, loves us, and desires to bring healing and freedom into our lives. Whether through a sudden miracle or a gradual process, He invites us to trust Him and take steps toward the wholeness He offers. Even when life feels barren and empty, like the prophet Habakkuk, we can choose to rejoice in the Lord and find joy in the God of our salvation.
Key Takeaways:
- Jesus is Drawn to Our Helplessness: Our stuckness does not repel Jesus; it draws Him to us. He sees us in our struggles and moves toward us with compassion and love, offering hope and healing. [09:51]
- The Question of Desire: Jesus' question, "Do you want to get well?" challenges us to examine our true desires. Sometimes, our identity becomes intertwined with our helplessness, and we must confront whether we genuinely want change. [13:04]
- The Power of Jesus' Word: The healing of the paralyzed man was not due to his faith but the authoritative word of Jesus. This reminds us that God's power is not limited by our lack of faith or understanding. [19:27]
- Taking Action: Jesus' command to "stand up, pick up your mat, and walk" signifies a call to action. It encourages us to leave behind the things that have defined our stuckness and move forward in faith. [16:07]
- Rejoicing in the Midst of Stuckness: Like Habakkuk, we can choose to rejoice in the Lord even when life feels barren and empty. Our circumstances do not have to define our joy or our relationship with God. [33:38]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [07:04] - The Pool of Bethesda
- [09:51] - Jesus Sees the Stuck
- [13:04] - Do You Want to Get Well?
- [16:07] - Stand Up and Walk
- [19:27] - The Power of Jesus' Word
- [33:38] - Rejoicing in Stuckness
- [38:00] - Invitation to Respond
- [40:00] - Prayer for Salvation
- [42:00] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- John 5:1-15
Observation Questions:
1. What was the setting of the story in John 5, and why was it significant? [07:04]
2. How did Jesus respond to the man's excuses when asked if he wanted to get well? [16:07]
3. What command did Jesus give to the paralyzed man, and what was the immediate result? [19:27]
Interpretation Questions:
1. Why do you think Jesus asked the man if he wanted to get well, even though the answer seemed obvious? [13:04]
2. How does the story illustrate the concept that Jesus is drawn to our helplessness rather than repelled by it? [09:51]
3. In what ways does the healing of the paralyzed man demonstrate the power of Jesus' word over human limitations? [19:27]
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt "stuck" in life. How did you respond, and what might you do differently now in light of this sermon? [33:38]
2. Jesus asked the man if he wanted to get well. Are there areas in your life where you might be resisting change because your identity is tied to your current situation? [13:04]
3. The man at the pool had been waiting for 38 years. What are some areas in your life where you have been waiting for change, and how can you take a step of faith this week? [16:07]
4. Jesus' command to "stand up, pick up your mat, and walk" was a call to action. What is one practical step you can take this week to move forward in an area where you feel stuck? [19:27]
5. Like Habakkuk, how can you choose to rejoice in the Lord even when your circumstances feel barren and empty? What specific practice can you implement to cultivate joy in difficult times? [33:38]
6. Consider the people around you who might be "stuck." How can you offer support or encouragement to them in a way that reflects Jesus' compassion and love? [09:51]
7. How can you ensure that your focus remains on Jesus rather than the process or method of getting unstuck? What changes might you need to make in your daily routine to prioritize this focus? [33:38]
Devotional
Day 1: Jesus is Drawn to Our Helplessness
In moments of feeling stuck, it is easy to believe that our struggles repel others, including God. However, the story of the paralyzed man at the pool of Bethesda reveals a different truth. Jesus is not deterred by our helplessness; instead, He is drawn to it with compassion and love. He sees us in our struggles and moves toward us, offering hope and healing. This understanding can transform how we perceive our challenges, knowing that we are not alone and that Jesus is actively seeking to bring restoration into our lives. [09:51]
"For the Lord comforts Zion; he comforts all her waste places and makes her wilderness like Eden, her desert like the garden of the Lord; joy and gladness will be found in her, thanksgiving and the voice of song." (Isaiah 51:3, ESV)
Reflection: In what area of your life do you feel most helpless right now? How can you invite Jesus into that space today, trusting that He is drawn to your need?
Day 2: The Question of Desire
When Jesus asked the paralyzed man, "Do you want to get well?" it was not a redundant question but a profound invitation to self-examination. Often, our identity becomes intertwined with our struggles, and we may find comfort in the familiarity of our stuckness. Jesus challenges us to confront our true desires and consider whether we genuinely want change. This question invites us to reflect on our willingness to embrace the transformation that Jesus offers, even if it means stepping into the unknown. [13:04]
"Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!" (Psalm 139:23-24, ESV)
Reflection: Is there an area in your life where you have become comfortable in your struggles? What steps can you take today to express your desire for change to Jesus?
Day 3: The Power of Jesus' Word
The healing of the paralyzed man at Bethesda was not contingent on his faith but on the authoritative word of Jesus. This demonstrates that God's power is not limited by our lack of faith or understanding. Jesus' command to "stand up, pick up your mat, and walk" was a declaration of His authority to transform lives. It reminds us that even when our faith feels weak, God's word is powerful and effective, capable of bringing about change and healing in our lives. [19:27]
"So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it." (Isaiah 55:11, ESV)
Reflection: What promise from God's word do you need to hold onto today, trusting in its power to bring transformation in your life?
Day 4: Taking Action
Jesus' command to the paralyzed man to "stand up, pick up your mat, and walk" was not just a call to physical healing but an invitation to take action. It encourages us to leave behind the things that have defined our stuckness and move forward in faith. This call to action requires courage and trust in Jesus' ability to lead us into new beginnings. As we respond to His invitation, we are empowered to step out of our comfort zones and embrace the new life He offers. [16:07]
"Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you." (Isaiah 60:1, ESV)
Reflection: What is one step you can take today to move forward from a place of stuckness, trusting in Jesus' call to action?
Day 5: Rejoicing in the Midst of Stuckness
The prophet Habakkuk chose to rejoice in the Lord even when life felt barren and empty. This perspective challenges us to find joy in our relationship with God, regardless of our circumstances. Our stuckness does not have to define our joy or our connection with God. By choosing to rejoice in the Lord, we affirm our trust in His goodness and faithfulness, even when the path ahead seems uncertain. [33:38]
"Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation." (Habakkuk 3:17-18, ESV)
Reflection: How can you choose to rejoice in the Lord today, even if your circumstances feel challenging or uncertain? What practical steps can you take to cultivate joy in your relationship with God?
Quotes
"And Jesus does extraordinary things in their lives. And we're going to look at one of those accounts today. We're actually going to be in the Gospel of John, chapter 5. And so I want to really encourage you, if you have a paper Bible, I'm going to give you plenty of time to turn there because I want you to see this for yourself. Or maybe you have your Bibles, an app on your phone or a tablet. Would you make sure, we're going to be in John, chapter 5." [00:03:57] (20 seconds)
"See, your stuckness, your helplessness, your powerlessness, the situation in your life that seems immovable, can I tell you, it doesn't repel Jesus. It actually draws Jesus to you. And you have an enemy of your soul, and I have an enemy of my soul. And Jesus says he's a liar. He's the father of lies. When he speaks lies, he speaks his native language." [00:11:13] (26 seconds)
"Jesus asked, do you want to be healed? And instead of saying yes, the man gets defensive and registers a complaint. I can't. I've tried. This man doesn't hear an invitation. He hears an accusation. Right? He's thoroughly defeated and stuck. I have no one. Someone else always gets there ahead of me. This statement isn't just loaded with defensiveness. It's loaded with shame and frustration." [00:15:09] (32 seconds)
"Jesus did not say, you bum. Try harder, do more. That's not how he responded. Look at what Jesus actually said in response. This is it. The man said, hey, do you want to be healed? The man goes, I can't. Everybody else, I'm not quick enough. I'm not strong enough. And Jesus, it's like Jesus didn't even hear him. I'm so grateful that Jesus ignores a lot of the crap that I say." [00:17:04] (30 seconds)
"Verse 8, the very next thing Jesus told him, three statements. Stand up, pick up your mat, and walk. I love that. Stand up, pick up your mat, and walk. And look at this, verse 9, instantly. Turn to the person next to you and say, instantly. Instantly. Or, or I like the word suddenly, right? That'll preach. Well, glory, ha, suddenly, ha, right? Suddenly, instantly." [00:17:44] (33 seconds)
"Was the man healed because of his faith? I'm not an expert, but Jesus says, do you want to be healed? And the man says, I can't, and offers all the reasons why he can't, and then Jesus says, he's, he's, stand up pick up your mat and walk and the dude all of a sudden stands up and picks up his mat and begins walking is it because of his faith now now to be fair there are plenty of passages in the Bible where Jesus did heal people based upon their faith so don't walk out of here saying my pastor says you don't need to have faith." [00:19:29] (45 seconds)
"so what I'm just saying is I be careful of always statements and never statements just in general in life just be careful well they always or he never just watch those words they're toxic words I'm just saying there are times in the Bible where it seems like Jesus is big enough that even though someone isn't exhibiting any faith at least that we can see that Jesus can still speak a word in a moment and a suddenly happens and the man who just moments ago was incapable of standing up is now fully capable of standing up and is literally walking aren't you grateful that God isn't hindered by my lack or your lack come on right the man was healed instantly how was he healed at the word of Jesus at the proclamation of Jesus Jesus speaks these words and suddenly it happens right it reminds me of Psalm 33 verse 6 says the Lord merely spoke and the heavens were created do you believe that I believe it I believe that God spoke and galaxies came spewing out look at verse 9 he breathed the Lord he breathed the word and all the stars were born you know most of the stars out there are actually bigger than our own sun." [00:20:32] (107 seconds)
"hey this is Liliana everybody say hey Liliana okay I want you to lay down on the floor for a second this is so awkward okay stand up yeah now pick up your mat wait one minute she's laying on the ground and then like bend over pick up this mat and now go walking you could walk back to your seat I guess yeah there you go right do you know there's something in there that it would to me it would make sense if he said stand up and walk it was a little bit of an awkwardness of the stand up and now I got to reach down and I got to pick up my mat and now I got to you know walk like why why why's the dude got to pick up his mat this mat was a sleeping mat this dude who's been sick for 38 years is so convinced that these waters have a power to heal him that he's actually camped out next to this pool this mat was this was a this was he would sleep there and Jesus says get up stand up by the way you better pick up your sleeping mat because you ain't coming back here to sleep no more see this this isn't this isn't your place anymore you belong somewhere else so just go ahead this this sleeping mat that's been part of your identity part of who you've been nope you're gonna pick that up you're gonna roll that thing up and now just go ahead and walk right out of here picking up your mat may mean cutting something from your life it may mean a move that you need to make a bridge that you need to burn maybe you need to walk away from a toxic relationship everybody who loves you your mama your grandmother they've been saying and you don't trust them you don't trust this person who birthed you to know you a little bit better than maybe sometimes you know you're that that relationship is toxic stay away maybe you need to walk away from a relationship maybe you need to delete an app off of your phone maybe you need to call a counselor maybe you need to check into rehab maybe you need to apply for that position that you keep saying someday about and you just need to apply maybe you need to have a difficult conversation maybe you need to begin the process and the journey of forgiving someone that did something years ago and they are still directing the course of your life through their actions in the past maybe maybe you need to pick up something so you can move on." [00:23:28] (150 seconds)
"so jesus is like do you want to get well and the guy's like looking right over jesus shoulders at the water waiting for something to happen in the water jesus like do you want to get well i can't people won't get me there and jesus says well how about you just stand up and pick up your mat and walk and by the time he realizes something's happening and he's walking jesus has slipped into the crowd and these guys are like who did this and he's like i don't even know i didn't even look at him i was so consumed by the water i was so i was i was so obsessed and focused i didn't even see him you know we can miss jesus because we're so obsessed with the process and how we're going to be healed and how we're going to get unstuck and we want the healing and provision and wisdom of jesus but we don't even take the time to know him we don't even take the time to look at him so verse 14 and i'm on we're almost done afterward jesus found the man at the temple and told him now you are well so stop sinning or something even worse may happen to you and about now some of you're going no that's not in there because you tried that trick earlier and no this time it is again you should read your bible so you'll know jesus here's what i want you to get jesus finds the man for a second time can i tell you jesus will pursue you because he loves you he sees you and he'll just keep coming after you he found the man for a second time and and what does jesus say he says you are well you are whole now start living as if you believe it start living in a whole new way in my way stop living the way that you have been living i've made you whole i've done something dramatically different in your life how about you start living in alignment with my will jesus correction was not mean spirited or judgy it was coming from a place of joy listen i've got joy for you i've got life for you you don't have to be stuck anymore so now that you're unstuck don't go back to that place where you got stuck to begin with." [00:29:47] (137 seconds)
"so each one of us has sat alone next to the pool stuck and hopeless regardless of how good you look on the outside how prosperous you look on the outside how rich you are educated you are every single one of us have sat next to that pool filled with shame and excuses stuck in finances stuck in relationships stuck in unbreakable addictions you can have everything in your right in your life going right externally and still be stuck i have found in ministry it's the people sometimes that look the least stuck who are the most stuck don't judge a book by its cover." [00:32:05] (44 seconds)
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