Do You Want to Get Well? The Power of Obedience and Faith

Nov 03, 2025

Devotional

Day 1: Jesus Offers Wholeness, Not Just Relief

Jesus does not simply offer to make us feel better or help us cope with our struggles; He offers to make us whole, to transform us into new creations, leaving the past behind and walking forward in newness of life. The journey may be a battle, and the enemy will try to deceive and discourage, but true strength and victory are found in Christ alone. When we surrender to Him, He gives us the power to rise above our brokenness and live as new men and women, fully restored and equipped for the life He has called us to. [55:51]

John 5:1-9 (ESV)
After this there was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, in Aramaic called Bethesda, which has five roofed colonnades. In these lay a multitude of invalids—blind, lame, and paralyzed. One man was there who had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had already been there a long time, he said to him, “Do you want to be healed?” The sick man answered him, “Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up, and while I am going another steps down before me.” Jesus said to him, “Get up, take up your bed, and walk.” And at once the man was healed, and he took up his bed and walked.

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you have settled for “almost” or “just coping” instead of letting Jesus make you truly whole? What would it look like to say “yes” to His invitation to rise up today?

Day 2: Testimony and the Power of Overcoming

There is supernatural power in sharing your testimony—when you declare what God has done in your life, you not only give Him glory but also encourage others and push back the darkness. The enemy trembles when you speak of God’s deliverance, because your story is living proof that Jesus still saves, heals, and restores. No matter how broken your past, your testimony is a weapon, and by the blood of the Lamb and the word of your testimony, you overcome. [06:39]

Revelation 12:11 (ESV)
And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death.

Reflection: Who is one person you can share a piece of your story with this week, trusting that God will use your testimony to encourage or even set someone else free?

Day 3: Christ Is Our Strength in Weakness

No matter how impossible the situation may seem, Christ is the one who gives us strength to overcome. When we feel weak, overwhelmed, or unable to change, we can stand on the promise that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. Our victory is not in our own willpower or ability, but in the power of Jesus working in and through us, enabling us to walk in freedom and purpose. [11:08]

Philippians 4:13 (ESV)
I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Reflection: What is one challenge or weakness you are facing right now? How can you invite Jesus to be your strength in that specific area today?

Day 4: God’s Refining Process Brings True Transformation

Just as a silversmith refines silver in the fire until he can see his reflection, God uses the refining process in our lives to burn away impurities and shape us into His image. The process may be painful and slow, but it is purposeful—God is not finished with us, and He is able to restore even the most broken parts of our lives. When we surrender to His refining work, we become vessels of His beauty and grace, ready to be welcomed home and used for His glory. [38:39]

Malachi 3:3 (ESV)
He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, and they will bring offerings in righteousness to the Lord.

Reflection: Where do you sense God is refining you right now? What would it look like to trust Him with that process, even if it’s uncomfortable?

Day 5: Saying Yes to Jesus’ Invitation to Change

Jesus stands before each of us and asks, “Do you want to get well?” It’s not just about desire, but about making a decision to leave behind the old ways and step into the new life He offers. We often make excuses or focus on what we lack, but Jesus simply asks for our “yes”—He will take care of the rest. When we respond in faith and obedience, even if we don’t have all the answers, He brings the transformation and healing we need. [54:33]

Isaiah 43:18-19 (ESV)
“Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”

Reflection: What is one excuse or fear that has kept you from saying “yes” to Jesus’ invitation to change? How can you take a step of obedience today, trusting Him to make a way?

Sermon Summary

Today’s gathering was a powerful reminder that God is still in the business of transforming lives, restoring hope, and breaking chains. We heard firsthand stories from men who have walked through the darkest valleys of addiction, despair, and brokenness, only to encounter the living Christ who met them in their need. The Worcester Adult & Teen Challenge Center stands as a testimony to God’s faithfulness—a place that was once a nursing home, a place for dying, now turned into a house of new life and resurrection. Through the support of the church and the refusal to compromise the gospel for government funding, this ministry remains a sanctuary where men can meet Jesus, be discipled, and be equipped for a new life.

The journey of recovery is not just about getting clean from substances; it’s about being made whole—spiritually, mentally, and physically. The program is intentionally structured to remove every practical barrier so that nothing stands between a man and his encounter with Christ. From counseling and Bible study to life skills and vocational training, every aspect is designed to point these men to Jesus, the only one who saves and heals. The testimonies shared today were raw and real—stories of overdoses, jail, rebellion, and relapse, but also of grace, second chances, and the relentless pursuit of God.

We reflected on the story from John 5, where Jesus meets a man who has been paralyzed for 38 years, lying by the pool of Bethesda. The question Jesus asks—“Do you want to get well?”—cuts through all excuses and self-pity. It’s not just about desire, but about decision. Many of us have grown comfortable in our dysfunction, learning to function in brokenness, but Jesus calls us to rise, to pick up our mat, and to walk in newness of life. Healing begins not when we have all the answers, but when we simply say “yes” to Jesus and obey His call. The same Jesus who met the man at Bethesda is present today, offering not just relief, but wholeness.

Key Takeaways

1. God’s Restoration Is Total, Not Partial The transformation at the Worcester Center—from a place of death to a house of new life—mirrors what God does in every surrendered life. He doesn’t just patch up our wounds; He makes us new, restoring dignity, purpose, and hope where there was only despair. This is a process, often involving many steps, but God is faithful to complete what He starts. [01:51]
2. True Healing Begins with Encounter, Not Environment While practical support and safe environments matter, the real change happens when a person meets Jesus. Programs and systems can only go so far; it is Christ who saves, heals, and delivers. Our role is to create space for that encounter and to remove obstacles, but only Jesus can bring true freedom. [03:43]
3. Obedience Unlocks the Impossible The man at Bethesda was stuck in a cycle of “almost”—almost healed, almost changed. Jesus’ command to “stand up, pick up your mat, and walk” required faith and obedience, not understanding. Many of us delay our healing by waiting for perfect conditions, but breakthrough comes when we respond to Jesus’ call, even if we don’t know how it will all work out. [51:45]
4. Testimony Is a Weapon Against Darkness Sharing our stories of what God has done is not just for encouragement; it is spiritual warfare. Every testimony gives glory to God and silences the lies of the enemy, reminding us and others that no one is beyond the reach of grace. Our stories matter—they are part of God’s ongoing work in the world. [44:36]
5. Wholeness Requires a Decision to Leave the Old Behind Jesus’ question, “Do you want to get well?” is not about our desire for relief, but our willingness to leave behind the familiar patterns of brokenness. Many have learned to function in dysfunction, but Christ calls us to something greater: wholeness, new identity, and a life that reflects His glory. The first step is a simple, surrendered “yes.” [49:16]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:37] - Introduction to Worcester Adult & Teen Challenge
[01:14] - God’s Provision: The Story of the Center
[02:30] - Teen Challenge Network and Mission
[03:06] - What Makes Teen Challenge Different
[04:18] - Discipleship and Spiritual Growth
[05:27] - Life Skills and Re-entry Support
[06:02] - Vocational Training and Practical Equipping
[06:39] - The Power of Testimony
[07:12] - Xavier’s Story: From Despair to Hope
[12:33] - Vonte’s Story: Returning to God
[19:02] - The Importance of Family and Breaking Cycles
[20:09] - The Call to Prayer and Partnership
[21:31] - The Reality and Cost of Addiction
[22:45] - Why We Refuse Government Funding
[25:06] - The Refining Process: God Restores
[26:23] - God Uses Our Stories for His Glory
[28:18] - Testimonies of Transformation
[36:11] - AJ’s Story: From Fire to Faith
[41:14] - The Need for a Fired-Up Church
[45:17] - John 5: The Pool of Bethesda
[49:16] - The Decision to Be Made Whole
[51:45] - Obedience and the Power of Jesus’ Word
[55:51] - Jesus Makes Us Whole
[56:30] - Closing and Final Encouragement

Bible Study Guide

Small Group Bible Study Guide: “Do You Want to Get Well?”

Bible Reading

John 5:1-9 (ESV)
1 After this there was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.
2 Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, in Aramaic called Bethesda, which has five roofed colonnades.
3 In these lay a multitude of invalids—blind, lame, and paralyzed.
5 One man was there who had been an invalid for thirty-eight years.
6 When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had already been there a long time, he said to him, “Do you want to be healed?”
7 The sick man answered him, “Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up, and while I am going another steps down before me.”
8 Jesus said to him, “Get up, take up your bed, and walk.”
9 And at once the man was healed, and he took up his bed and walked.

Observation Questions

What was the man’s situation at the pool of Bethesda, and how long had he been there? (John 5:5)
When Jesus asked, “Do you want to be healed?” how did the man respond? What did he focus on in his answer? (John 5:6-7)
According to the sermon, what was the original purpose of the Worcester Center building, and what is it now? [[01:51]]
What practical steps does the Teen Challenge program take to remove barriers between the men and their encounter with Jesus? [[04:54]]

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Jesus asked the man if he wanted to get well, even though his need seemed obvious? What does this question reveal about the man’s heart and about us? (John 5:6) [[49:16]]
The man at the pool gave reasons why he couldn’t be healed. What are some ways people today make similar excuses or focus on what they lack instead of on Jesus? [[51:05]]
The sermon said, “Healing begins not when we have all the answers, but when we simply say ‘yes’ to Jesus and obey His call.” What does it look like to say “yes” to Jesus in real life? [[52:29]]
How does sharing personal testimonies serve as “spiritual warfare” and encourage others, according to the sermon? [[44:36]]

Application Questions

Jesus asked, “Do you want to get well?” Is there an area in your life where you’ve grown comfortable in dysfunction or brokenness? What would it look like to honestly answer Jesus’ question today? [[49:16]]
The man at the pool focused on what he didn’t have (“I have no one to put me in the pool”). Are there places in your life where you tend to focus on your limitations or what you lack, instead of on what Jesus can do? How can you shift your focus this week? [[51:05]]
The Worcester Center was transformed from a place of death to a house of new life. Is there a part of your story or your past that you believe God wants to redeem and use for His glory? What step could you take to surrender that to Him? [[01:51]]
The program at Teen Challenge removes practical barriers so men can meet Jesus. Are there practical barriers in your life (habits, relationships, distractions) that keep you from encountering Christ? What is one barrier you want to address this month? [[04:54]]
The sermon emphasized that obedience unlocks the impossible. Is there something you sense God is asking you to do, but you’ve been waiting for “perfect conditions”? What would it look like to take a step of obedience now? [[51:45]]
Testimonies were described as a weapon against darkness. Is there a part of your story you could share with someone this week to encourage them or point them to Jesus? Who might need to hear it? [[44:36]]
The first step to wholeness is a simple, surrendered “yes.” What is one area where you need to say “yes” to Jesus, even if you don’t have all the answers or feel ready? [[55:10]]

Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the group to pray for courage to say “yes” to Jesus, for the strength to leave behind old patterns, and for opportunities to share their stories for God’s glory.

Sermon Clips

“We are not a rehab. I want to make that very, very clear to you guys. We are not a rehab. What adult and Teen Challenge is is just a safe space and a safe place for these men to have an opportunity to gain a relationship with Jesus Christ. Teen Challenge has not saved anyone. Teen Challenge has not healed anyone. All Teen Challenge does is provide a space where these people can get an opportunity with Jesus Christ and Jesus Christ does the saving and Jesus Christ does the healing. Amen. We want to make that very, very clear. Very clear.”

“We want to try to give these guys enough momentum so when they leave this place, reading the Bible is like breathing. Amen. Praying is like brushing their teeth. Amen. Direct care disciplehip is basically a fancy way of saying that these men are supervised 24/7 365. Access to medical care, primary dental and vision. These men come in with a slew of issues, myself included.”

“We're not just throwing them out to the sharks and say, "Go ahead and swim." We’re trying to equip these men as best as we possibly can. And then vocational training and and so much more. Not sure if you had a chance to look, but back there we've got some cutting boards and some shakurerie boards. Uh these are some things that the men's make in the program. We'd like to teach you, but teach them a trade, a skill, get their minds off of what what's happened, get them to work with their hands.”

“I wanted to leave right when I got there. But my brother Chris, um he inspired me to stay. He told me, you know, build a relationship with God and he will and we he will help you out. Seek the first king the kingdom of God and his righteousness in heaven and everything else will be added. And it's very true. Amen. As I stayed faithful and um trusting in him, I went up for my uh violation probation.”

“Well, he already had the officer there to testify against me to violate me, but once he saw that I was actually committed to stay in the program and um he told the officer to go to go home and then we agreed for me to finish the program, but the judge said um that she doesn't have to agree with what my lawyer and my probation officer said. So, um she said that she could still send me to jail, but she did not. Um she actually came off the bench, gave me a hug and um said that she's very proud of me. Amen.”

“I used to panhandle in front of liquor stores. Um I always kept it well, I always had a job cuz I I'm I'm have skills. So, um but I wouldn't keep them very long cuz in addiction, you're not keeping no job for very long. So, um I came back to Worcester. At first, he said there's no 85% chance I'm not going to be accepted back. And I was like, I wasn't accepting that. Um I was praying to the Lord every night about it.”

“I got to team challenge working on I started working on machines recently in a carpenter shop that um I knew I could do, but I need to convince other people cuz my um balance was jacked up and um hands were shake and stuff like that. One day I asked, "Can I be trained on a machine?" And now I'm working on three machines as we speak. So um so um and I just want to say uh I'm enjoying the ride that God's taking me on.”

“The world needs us to be fired up for Jesus. We need to be excited about what God's doing. Not settled for status quo. This is so much beyond status quo. Do you know what I'm saying? Like the story of Tony, he's he heads up overcomers group here and you you walked in, you were homeless. Look at you. Did you think you'd be on this platform? You probably travel around the churches sharing the love of Jesus encouraging these brothers.”

“God saw fit to have you guys here today. I want you to hold on to this. Now listen to it close. This day of all days, somebody in this place needed to hear what each of these guys went through. Like here, this is important. God does all these things, gets all these steps in order for his glory. Somebody in here needed to hear this today. So when the enemy tells you, "Oh no, you messed up that. You messed you did this. You did that." Listen, God used this for his glory, for his kingdom, your testimonies, man, and you guys in here today.”

“See, this next right here, this verse seven, we all find ourselves in this place. He says, "I can't sir." See, you and I, we make excuses at time, right? You hear me? You know, you know what I mean, sir? Yeah, I want to get well, but I've had no one to get me into the pool. But see, here's the thing. He doesn't answer Jesus's question. Jesus said, "Do you want to get well?" And the man replies, "Sir, I have nobody to get me into the pool." That's not what he asked him. He just said, "Do you want to get well?" Instead, the man explains why he can't get healed, why he can't get out of almost. He's focusing on what he lacks, not the one standing before him. He's focusing on what he lacks.”

“And I think just like this guy, we tend to look to the system to fix us when we need the Savior to fix us. Bottom line, end of story. So he says in verse 7, I can't sir, the man said, for I have no one to put me into the pool when the water bubbles up. Someone else always gets there ahead of me. Verse eight, Jesus tells him, "Stand up. Pick up your mat and walk." Jesus issues a command. He says, "Stand up, sir. Stand stand up. Pick up your mat and walk. Jesus doesn't say, "Okay, here, let me help you into the pool." He calls him to rise above it.”

“What I love is this, and it's here in this house this morning, because when Jesus speaks, impossible becomes possible. A crying mother on the phone What looked impossible became possible. It's not just there though. There's many other stories. Maybe it looks different for you. There's but God can take the impossible and make it possible. See, healing begins not when everything is understood, but when you just obey what he says.”

“Here's the thing, family. Jesus doesn't offer to make you feel better. He offers to make you whole. He offers to make us whole. A new man, a new woman in Christ Jesus. Past is over. I'm new. And I'm going to keep walking in it. But I'll tell you what, this is a war. It is. The enemy doesn't play fair. We say it, right? He's the father of lies. He's a decetor. He's a deceiver, master manipulator.”

“So do what you do. Look to Jesus Christ as your strength, as your source of strength. I'll remind you this. You can't do it on your own. He is the only way to get through it. With Christ, I can do all things. Man.”

“It's up to you to break that generational curse that you got going on in your family. Amen. So, there's a couple ways that you guys can partner with us. One of these ways is a prayer card. It's very, very simple. There's a some of them on your pews. You guys know prayer cards. You've seen one, you've seen them all. On the right hand side, any kind of prayers that you folks have, big or small, it doesn't matter. We serve a God that's intimate enough to deal with our small problems and infinite enough to deal with our large problems.”

“We get comfortable. We get stuck in that place in that disappointment. We get stuck there. This guy was stuck there for 38 years. We stop believing things can change. We stop believing it. We've learned to live in the brokenness for too long that it's become normal to us that man it became normal.”

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