July 19, 2024 Devo

July 19th, 2024

“It’s All About Jesus!”
Jesus at the Pool of Bethesda (John 5:1-15)
Jesus told him, “Stand up, pick up your mat, and walk!” Instantly, the man was healed! He rolled up his sleeping mat and began walking! – John 5:8-9 (NLT)
“Goodness, Grace, & Sovereignty”

Goodness, grace, and sovereignty. Sometimes the reasons why God does what He does lie in those three attributes. Not because of OUR goodness. Not because WE deserve it. Not even because of OUR faith. God often does amazing things simply because He can, and they fit for His purposes.
Our man at the pool of Bethesda is a good example. When Jesus asked him if he’d like to be well, he said, “I can’t.” The man had no idea who Jesus was. He had no idea what Jesus could do. He had no faith in the God of his Jewish faith or the Jesus who stood before him. He wasn’t noted to be an exceptionally good man or have done anything worthy of a miraculous gift of healing. Nothing about him is really known at all. Except that Jesus saw him. Jesus knew him and what he was going through. And Jesus decided to heal him.
When Jesus spoke those words, “Stand up, pick up your mat, and walk,” the man was immediately healed. He was as shocked as anyone in the crowd around him. He hadn’t asked for healing. He didn’t even believe his healing was possible. After thirty-eight years of being an invalid, he thought that’s the way it would always be. Then came Jesus.
I want you to find rest in this today. I’ve watched so many people through the years try to earn what they desire from God. They feel as if they need to pray more. They feel as if they need to do more. They feel as if they need to sacrifice more. But that’s putting faith in US, not Jesus.
I want to encourage you to put your trust in Jesus today. Trust in His grace. He’s the God who gives gifts that are undeserved and unearned. Trust in His goodness. He’s the only one who is truly “good.” And trust in His sovereignty. Sovereignty means His will, His way, and His timing. Sometimes, like the man at the pool, we run out of faith, run out of hope, and even run out of our ability to believe. But that’s okay. It’s in our darkest and lowest moments that Jesus sometimes does His best work. Thank God for His Goodness, Grace, and Sovereignty. That’s God’s Word for you today.