Would You Like To Get Well?

What is the hardest thing about prayer? At first, we might think it’s finding the time or having the right words. But as this week’s message revealed, the greatest challenge lies in admitting our own weakness and need for help. Prayer is not just a conversation with God; it’s a moment of surrender where we acknowledge that we cannot fix our lives on our own. It’s a step toward healing that requires vulnerability, faith, and action.
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The story in John 5 highlights this beautifully. Jesus encounters a man who has been an invalid for 38 years, lying near the pool of Bethesda in hopes of healing. Jesus asks him a seemingly obvious question: “Do you want to get well?” At first glance, the answer seems simple—who wouldn’t want to be healed? But for this man, and often for us, the road to healing comes with challenges we’re not always ready to face. Change means leaving behind what’s comfortable, even if it’s unhealthy, and stepping into a new reality.

Jesus’ question isn’t just about physical healing—it’s a heart check. The man had to decide if he was ready to embrace a life that would require responsibility, effort, and faith. Would he stop making excuses and take action? The same question applies to us. Whether it’s a secret sin, a broken relationship, or a personal struggle, true healing begins when we admit we need help and are willing to trust God’s plan for restoration.

James 5:13-16 reminds us that healing often happens in community. Confession and prayer go hand in hand. There’s no help for who we pretend to be—only for who we truly are. When we open up to God and others about our struggles, we position ourselves to receive the supernatural and practical healing that only God can provide. Vulnerability isn’t easy, but it creates the environment where God’s grace can flow into our lives.

The truth is, many of us are stuck on our “mats.” Like the man by the pool, we’ve become comfortable with our dysfunction, even when it keeps us from living fully. It’s easier to blame circumstances or stay in our comfort zones than to take the bold step of faith that healing requires. But Jesus calls us to rise, take up our mats, and walk. This action symbolizes leaving behind the old and embracing the new life He offers.

Healing doesn’t always look miraculous in the moment. Sometimes it involves taking practical steps—seeking counseling, joining a recovery group, setting boundaries, or rebuilding trust in relationships. Other times, it’s about persistent prayer and waiting for God’s timing. Regardless of the process, healing always begins with saying yes to Jesus’ question, “Would you like to get well?”

This is a call to action for each of us. It’s time to stop hiding behind excuses and step into the healing that God offers. Whether it’s confessing sin, asking for prayer, or taking practical steps toward restoration, the invitation is clear. Jesus is standing before us, ready to work in our lives if we’re willing to trust Him.

So, would you like to get well? The journey may not be easy, but it’s worth it. God’s grace is sufficient, His power is limitless, and His love is unwavering. He is eager to help us rise from the mats we’ve been lying on and empower us to walk in freedom and purpose for His glory.

- Adapted from the messages preached across our 3 campuses on 01/12/25.