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Date Posted: 16:39:30 11/15/04 Mon
Author: Cheri
Subject: He said it.....



"HE SAID IT!"


by Max Lucado


God's efforts are strongest when our efforts are useless.


Go back to Bethesda for a moment. I want you to look at the brief but revealing dialogue between the paralytic and the Savior. Before Jesus heals him, he asks him a question: "Do you want to be well?"
"Sir, there is no one to help me get into the pool when the water starts moving. While I am coming to the water, someone else always gets in before me" (John 5:7).


Is the fellow complaining? Is he feeling sorry for himself? Or is he just stating the facts? Who knows. But before we think about it too much, look what happens next.
"'Stand up. Pick up your mat and walk.'"
"And immediately the man was well; he picked up his mat and began to walk."


I wish we would do that; I wish we would take Jesus at his word. I wish, like heaven, that we would learn that when he says something, it happens. What is this peculiar paralysis that confines us? What is this stubborn unwillingness to be healed? When Jesus tells us to stand, let's stand.


When he says we're forgiven, let's unload the guilt. When he says we're valuable, let's believe him. When he says we're eternal, let's bury our fear. When he says we're provided for, let's stop worrying. When he says, "Stand up," let's do it.


I love the story of the private who ran after and caught the runaway horse of Napoleon. When he brought the animal back to the emperor, Napoleon thanked him by saying, "Thank you, Captain."


With one word the private was promoted. When the emperor said it, the private believed it. He went to the quartermaster, selected a new uniform, and put it on. He went to the officers' quarters and selected a bunk. He went to the officers' mess and had a meal.
Because the emperor said it, he believed it. Would that we would do the same.


Is this your story? It can be. All the elements are the same. A gentle stranger has stepped into your hurting world and offered you a hand.


Now it's up to you to take it.


_________________________
From He Still Moves Stones
Copyright 1999 Max Lucado

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