How To Engage:
Read the Statement and Opening Scriptures
Watch The Video
Read: Scripture Breakdown
Answer Questions
Look at the different Resources
Statement:
It is easy to get stuck in our excuses, so much so that we can excuse ourselves out of a productive life without realizing it!
Opening Scripture:
(John 5:2-8 ESV) 2 Now in Jerusalem, by the Sheep Gate, there is a pool which in Hebrew is called Bethesda, having five porticoes. 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.”
Hebrew / Greek Word Study
Focus Word: Invalid = ּ(ἀσθένεια / as-then'-i-ah/ asthéneia) = (Greek / phonetic sound)
Strongs Definition G769: from G772; feebleness (of mind or body); by implication, malady; morally, frailty:—disease, infirmity, sickness, weakness.
The same Greek word (G769) is used in these scriptures and many more!
Matthew 8:17
Luke 5:15
Luke 8:2
John 5.5
Acts 28:9
Galatians 1:10
Scripture Breakdown:
Looking at this scripture, it is something when you realize even in biblical times,, people who were suffering hardship were grouped together and put aside within their society. This man had been living like this for 38 years, as an invalid, circumstances in which he could not naturally change, but he had the capability to speak. He was limited but still had some natural abilities in which he could use. (This is important for us to note because in some areas of life we may be limited but we are still supposed to use to the best of our abilities what we have available to us.) This particular day Jesus is walking by and sees him, and He knows something has been wrong with him for a very long time. Then something very parculiar takes place. Jesus ask the man "Do you want to be healed?" It wasn't apparent to Jesus that this invalid actually wanted to be healed. This is strange, Jesus absolutely knew he was physically impaired but is healing and being made whole what this man wanted for himself.
Now, with this being said, the man responds to Jesus with the excuses (reasons) for why he cannot make it into this particular pool. He says, “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.” The thought process concerning this was that an angel of the Lord went down at certain seasons into the pool and stirred up the water and whoever then first stepped in after the stirring up of the water was made well from whatever disease with which he was afflicted. This is what the man was referring to. He couldn't get into this pool of water first for basically for 38 years.
I don't know if you noticed this or not but Jesus does not even respond to his excuses, He doesn't address them, He doesn't join in the sad story. He just gives him direction on what to do to get him out of his circumstances. This is what we must do, take in God's Word and do what it tells us to do so that we can come out of negative circumstanaces.
Questions:
In what area of life have excuses cause you to fail?
What did it cost you to fail in that area of life?
How many times have excuses stopped you from achieving something in life?
What were some of the things you did not achieve?
What are the steps you are taking to ensure excuses do not stop you from fulfilling your goals and purpose in life?
How have you been victorious in areas of your life when you stopped letting excuses dictate your actions?
Please respond to these questions using the comments section below or if they are too personal please share them with your accountability partner.
Note: The reason we share them in the comments section is so that other men may read them and understand that we all have faults and failures. The goal would be for us to all understand that we are not alone, and that we can help each other by building each other up.
Extra Scripture To Study:
Judges Chapters 6-8
Additional Information:
Closing Thoughts:
These are a few great scriptures to study and meditate on. We understand God and His Word more when we seek to know Him better. As you study the Bible, look at how much God loves us and is willing to give everything to come after us. It's time for you to become whole and live the fullness of life the Lord has for you.
Challenge:
This week daily, take some time to pray and ask God for help regarding His word and become receptive to it. The next step is to act on His Word and continue to be the Son or Daughter He has called you to be.
Take Care Family,
Pastor Charles
©Copyright Charles R. Myles II 2023
Check Out The Book "Wounded Soul: Death Lived Inside Me" by Pastor Charles Myles
Also Available on Amazon.