Last week after getting my wisdom teeth removed, plus one added bonus, making it a total of five teeth, I got a little frantic as suddenly I felt one of my stitches loosening up. It had only been five days since my surgery, and I had been told and read that most stitches last at least seven to ten days. Hence my anxiety. Much like this paragraph might be TMI for you, I then proceeded to call my doctor and explain in full detail what was going on in my mouth. I know y’all, it’s disturbing. I do apologize. But it could be so much worse. Relief flooded me when the nurse told me that was very normal and I was okay. Oh, and while I was at it, to eat something more than just Slim Fast. Not only was I relieved, but also I was ecstatic, because well, food. Need I say more? I was starving for something solid.
Ironically, the next morning I had a different doctors appointment where I proceeded to spill my guts and ask every question in the book about all sorts of things. I left that appointment with answers and feeling very secure for the path that lay ahead of me.
I also felt very humbled.
Other than a counselor, and maybe your spouse, who else do you feel complete freedom with to ask some of the most bizarre questions, and not only that, but share what others would label as WAY to much information, besides a doctor?
But the truth is, if you really want to get well, or fix something that is broken, you have to be 100% transparent with your doctor and do everything they tell you to get well. And last I checked, I think we’re all into the getting well business. Who likes to be sick, broken and messed up? It’s no way to live abundantly.
You see, I would be what you might consider the perfect patient.
Anyone, eh hem, my mother and best friend, could testify to this.
For instance, as I mentioned, I had my wisdom teeth removed. Upon leaving the doctors office after your surgery, they give you a sheet of paper along with your prescription medications explaining the step-by-step process on how to heal the quickest and easiest. The minute I was out of my coma to a place I could actually comprehend what I was reading, I poured over that sheet front and back, word for word.
Not only did I nearly memorize every word, I also did what it said. It was, in fact, the only way to get well.
When I got off the phone with the doctor the other day I kind of chuckled to myself as I thought about all doctors and nurses have to go through. They see the good, the bad and the very, very ugly. I realize I’m no nurse, but I happen to have a nurse as a roommate, and let me tell you, she and I lead very different day jobs.
Because my mind never sits in one place, I immediately thought of how this affects our relationship with God. The degree to which we’ll be honest with Him about our deep messes, our brokenness and intense struggles (as if He isn’t already intimately acquainted with every detail), is the degree to which we’ll be healed.
And the degree to which we’ll do what He tells us to do to trash the trash in our lives, also holds some weight. Sometimes we know exactly what to do to get well, but we’re just stubborn enough not to do it. Yet, He says He’s given us everything we need for life and godliness. Not that we would get caught up in just following the rules, but that we would get caught up in the grace offered to us.
“His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.” 2 Peter 1:3-4
Mercy, what messes we are all in. Not one of us is immune and not one of us is perfect. This is both good news and bad news! Because none of us is immune to any pit of sin means we need Jesus in the worst way, but because none of us will attain perfection here on earth means we can cut one another a little slack. It also means for those of us perfectionists, to take a chill pill. Or, for those of us holding someone to a perfect standard, to take them off the high horse we’ve put them on.
I’m far from being any type of scholar, but naturally I thought of the healing at the pool that Jesus performed.
“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.” John 5:1-9 (ESV)
I’m not going to pretend I know all the history of all that went on here, but can we all agree that thirty-eight years is a long time? I realize that some of us are bound up for much longer than that, but isn’t it exhausting?
I may have grown up in church, but I can assure you I didn’t even begin to think about grabbing onto some healing until I was 18 and a senior in high school. And it wasn’t for the lack of people encouraging me, pointing me towards truth and loving on me. It was because of my own pride, and the fact that I liked my sin. It felt good. I can’t imagine an invalid feeling good, but I can imagine getting too lazy in our sin that we never want to get up and move on, because if any of us have tried, we can testify that it is h-a-r-d.
Notice that after Jesus asked him if he wanted healing, he didn’t even say yes! He gave an excuse as to why he was still laying there.
Is that not so true of us? We can think of every excuse in the book as to why our healing has yet to come to us. As to why we’re still drowning in sin. Or why that stronghold still holds all the power in the world over us.
“I have no one to help me…” who are we waiting for? Who are you waiting for? What is that one thing you think can heal you? Sister, stop waiting. His name is Jesus.
That brokenness, that shame, that addiction, the mindset, that sin cycle, that stronghold, that lie, that greed, that lust, that past, that hate. He came for that. Our excuses, though they may seem legitimate at the time, are illegitimate.
“Get up, take up your bed and walk!” Today is the day.
If it seems impossible, it might be, but the Lord knows your fears. Knows how painful it might be. But He’s still telling you to get up and walk! Walk free! Walk confidently! Maybe it’s time to stop asking God for some healing and believe He’s granted us the freedom. The freedom He gave us on the cross.
Or maybe you have yet to even ask the Lord for some freedom, but you’re dying for some! Today is the day to ask! Tell Him every single detail. What may seem insignificant to you, is not to Him.
Some of us need to let God simply demonstrate His power through us.
He is trustworthy. He cares. He sees. He loves.
And ultimately, He heals.
Walk on, Sister.
“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. Romans 8:1-2 (ESV)
Oh Lindsee!!!
I’m getting up and taking my bed and walking on in faith and freedom!! Thanking and Praising Him the whole way!!Thank you for that word today. I enjoy your blogs so much Sister:)
Blessings!!
I needed that. I am the Queen of Excuses about why I can’t stop loving stuff that makes me miserable. God help me.
Getting up and walking out my Faith!! Thank you Lindsee!! Another awewome Word God has given you!!! 🙂
Wow-such a timely reminder for me! Thanks Lindsee!
God’s timing always amazes me. I was going to start my lesson for teaching on Sunday, but decided to just read a few of my favorite sites while I ate dinner. Guess what my lesson is on? The miracle in John that you wrote about it. Only God =0)
Praise God, Laura! Praying your lesson bears much fruit, Sister. Blessings!
Thank you so much – me too! All prayers always appreciated!
Thanks so much for sharing. You are so right on.
I remember my wisdom teeth fiasco. I was a hot mess after I woke up from that surgery. I enjoyed reading your version!
Yes indeed I need to quit making excuses. It’s time to walk on.
Thanks Lindsee!
Thank you for the good word tonight. You were bang on!
Thanks for sharing this topic. It’s very encouraging. God Bless you!
You are right on. Thank you for that Word today.
What an encouraging word and truth well spoken! I am in agreement. Thank you.
Powerful. That is all I can say. Powerful.
Wow!!! Thank you!
Thank you, I really needed to hear this. My plate has been so full that I have forgotten to just stop and pick up my bed and walk.
Loved and needed this so much Lindsee! Thank you!!!
thanks for this post, Lindsee!! it’s perfectly timed for what i’m dealing with right now.
Lindsee,
I encountered this verse last summer and answered yes to Jesus’ question. I have been bound with fear and anxiety and so much so that I have been unwilling to leave home many times. By getting into God’s Word daily, the healing began.I was supposed to go to the dr for an important procedure today, but I cancelled because of fear again. Shame immediately came. God also heard several times from me how hard it was and eventually confessed that I am not trusting Him with my life. I’m glad to see this post tonight before going to bed. Thank you so much for writing it.
You have no idea how this spoke to me.. I am severely overweight and have started a plan to heal & get we’ll, a journey, if you will with JESUS at the wheel !!!! Thank you for confirming I am on the right track !!! God bless you!!!!
Lisa,
I would love to know what your “plan” is. I have exactly the same struggle.
This spoke straight to my heart today, thank you.
Lindsee, what a great word! Thank you for sharing.
That whole getting up and walking on thing–that takes a lot of faith. But the hope is in the word. the encouragement is there too. And the power is in the prayer. Minds play such a big part. What we choose to ‘know’ is HUGE. God has given us so much…would we know it and let it have a heart effect?
And where willful sin abides there is such a drain in the soul. But the Lord within is bigger than the drain if at once (again) you would come to Him and turn from that thing that He asks you to turn from.
Motive matters. Actions matter too. Both do. I just had to learn this together. I had a motive that was pure gold that led to an action that was purely NOT. And God told me to walk. Well He practically shouted at me to RUN!
Oh and community. I love that we can be transparent with Jesus. Why hide? He see’s. I used to think He saw the bad. You know that Jesus existed to see sin. But what I know is that Jesus see’s hearts and histories. Jesus see’s us completely. As we have been and as we are and as we will be. And its nice and needed to know that that. But its coming home to me that though my history isn’t nice that it is where the the work of Christ is seen and so it should be shared. The work of my Lord is here and now too. Every day. But if you don’t know the history then you miss the power of what’s happening now. Maybe. We’re still discussing this sharing. But bottom line is–what I’m responding to is this: that walking on is done best with friends and to have friends you have to trust people enough to well, trust them.
Trust Jesus. Walk with people–humbly acknowledging your need. But keep your eyes on Jesus. Wrap your mind around his instructions–GET UP–and walk on.
Thanks Lindsee
Excellent! Your last line reminds me of the TobyMac song, “Get Back Up.” (It’s on YouTube.) Perfect for today. 😀
beloved sisters, thank you all for this, hoping for more later when I’m more awake, in prayer your siesta sister xoxo cb
Great Post Lindsee! 🙂
Just a general comment: when e mails come from LPM blog, they don’t indicate from which individual they are. I’ve looked at the top and bottom for a ‘Beth’, ‘Lindsee’, etc but there isn’t one. Have to start reading the whole thing and look for clues as to whom it’s from.
Hi Del, unfortunately, when you receive the LPM blog through the RSS feed, it doesn’t state the author. However, when you click on the title of that post to bring you to the actual blog, the author’s name is always right under the title. I hope that helps! Blessings!
I oh so needed these very words today thank you!
Thank you for this. It is EXACTLY what I need to hear! I’ve been struggling with overating for quite some time (which I believe is a form of addiction) and to be 100% honest, I don’t always want healing. I fear I’ll be missing out or I think that I need just one more day then I can give it up tomorrow. I actually pulled the book “Get out of That Pit” off my bookshelf the otherday, but then sadly put it back to read a book about finances. Boy, the enemy is a clever one!!
You are such a blessing!
Thanks again 🙂
Jennifer
AMEN!!!!…thank you Jesus…You are so good!
This one hit me in the face, Lindsee. Really good job.
Amy
Thank you for A WORD today my friend! These words make me BRAVE to get up and walk. Love you for it!
Thank you for this! Although I have the head knowledge of it, its harder to put into practice sometimes. Its like what Paul writes when he say that he does not understand what he does. What he does, he doesn’t want to do, but he doesn’t do what he wants to do.
Getting that heart and mind connection is harder sometimes than ya think.
You are an encouragement!!
That was very insightful!! Thanks, Lindsee! 🙂
Your words are so searching. I have been using food to fill in all the empty places for so long that I am now 100 pounds overweight and addicted to overeating. It is so terrifying to me to change; I’ve tried dozens of times. I just can’t seem to grasp the concept long enough of the POWER the Lord will give me to change. Lord, I believe! Help my unbelief.
You and me together, girl. 🙂 We ARE going to do it. One literal step at a time. We’re going to lace up our tennies and WALK. We can put John 5:6, 8-9 on a technicolor index card on our bathroom mirrors (skip the excuses part). We can walk in God’s strength, one little day at time. While we’re walking, we can recite those verses out loud, over and over. And when we are finished, we will *both* be 100 lbs. of defeat lighter, and 100% Holy Spirit-empowered stronger. Ready? Let’s go! 😀
WOW! I needed this today! Thanks for your words!
😯 You knocked one out of the park, sis! This is your best message yet. Truth (life situation) speaks to TRUTH (God’s Word). Guess what? I was going to read a blog post before opening a package sitting next to me on the desk. It’s box full of Weight Watchers material, sent by a terrific friend! Stunned here. I did have one of those dr. appts. Do know what to do. And needed someone to help me and walk with me. *You just did.* It IS time to “Get Up and Move On.” Amen? Amen! 😀
Bless you! Will be praying for you my sister with the power of the Holy Spirit and in the name of Jesus Christ….Walk On!
This is the 2nd devotional this morning I have read that referenced this question! God I am listening… and I will act! Isn’t HE wonderful?????
“Walk free! Walk confidently! Maybe it’s time to stop asking God for some healing and believe He’s granted us the freedom. The freedom He gave us on the cross.”
I love, love, love this statement Lindsee! Thank you for your insight and wisdom! Wow!
And Romans 8:1 was literally a life changer for me. It truly set me free years ago from a binding mindset, but verse 2….wow….gonna paste these two verses together around my house. BELIEVING in His mighty Word today! Blessings to you, Lindsee <3
Thank you for that POWERFUL and encouraging word!! I need to get up and walk NOW!! God is so good.
“Who are you waiting for? What is that one thing you think can heal you? Sister, stop waiting. His name is Jesus.”
He is a great Healer! Thanks for this encouraging word!
Great message girl!
Your loving siesta, Romona
I. NEEDED. THIS.
Thank you so very much.
Such a good message you shared!
Asking for healing and walking in freedom that only Jesus can bring . . . we hesitate to ask for that sometimes, but I’ve learned in the last couple of months that it is so worth it to do so!
Lindsee, that’s a wonderful reminder of the TRUTH that Jesus already provided what we need to walk in freedom! Listen to this verse…. I LOVE it!….. Psalm 142:7~ “Bring me out of prison so I can thank you.
The godly will crowd around me, for You are
good to me.”
Seeing victory in someone’s life, even and especially our own, is incredible life-living and motivating!
A timely post. I am three months post spinal fusion surgery and am still in pain. It is wearing me down physically and emotionally. I have been the best patient I can possibly be but still have pain.
I have been crying out to Jesus and putting my faith in Him and pryaing for healing.
Like!
Timely word!
Hugs!
Lindsee, Thank you so much for allowing God to speak through you. You posted this on May 9th, my 23-year-old’s college graduation day. I was so happy and at the same time so fearful. For you see I have been under an intense spirit of fear lately (mostly over my health). I have prayed for healing and freedom from this many times. On Wednesday this week our preacher talked about the power we have inside of us to do God’s will (the same power that raised Jesus from the dead). I asked God what His will for me is and He so gently said “do not fear”. I called on this same power repeatedly this week and God has been so faithful. Your post was my confirmation from God. You are a blessing and I pray God will bless you a “hundred fold” for following Him!
Amen, Sister! I ask for those blessings right back on you!
Thank you Lindsee for this post!
I usually start my QT working on my memory verses, then read the Bible. But sometimes, I feel led by the Spirit to do something different. Today was such a morning; I opened the blog and read this post. What struck me first was John 5:1-9. Last Sunday at my small group, I asked for prayer for healing of my back injuries so that I could go celebrate my Mom’s 80th birthday, saying that I’d be happy to even go by Memorial Day weekend and celebrate it late. I told them that I’d need a “pick up your bed and walk” miracle because my husband (a wonderful Christian man) would need a demonstration that I was up to traveling 7 hours one way, plus sitting and visiting with relatives (neither of which I am able to do right now). He doesn’t want me to get there and end up in the hospital, far from home.
So when I read your post, it was a great encouragement to me. I’m looking forward to seeing what the Lord will do and how and when. (I also have my first physical therapy appointment on May 21st.)
Walking in Faith and Giving Him Praise Always,
Karen
Linsee, this is a very well written and applicable post. Thank you.
She is clothes with strength and dignity and laughs without fear of the future.
Proverbs 31:25
Lindsee, you are 100% right. Being completely honest with yourself, the Lord, and others, is totally freeing…pride gets in the way too many times to count, because you don’t want others to look down on you or decide to dump you as a friend, recognized family member, etc. because what you really are and need healing for is too much for them to handle…but God can handle anyone. He can handle anything, because He is the LORD. Nothing is impossible for Him…thank you for posting this Lindsee…I want to pour out my heart to Him, telling Him exactly what is wrong and get the forgiveness, cleansing, and healing of mind and heart because His nearness is my ABSOLUTE GOOD! Amen, Sister, let’s walk on!:)
Oops, I forgot:) I meant to wish all the Siestas and Mamas on here a Happy Mother’s Day:) Also to all the spiritual Mama’s, Siesta Mama Beth included!:)
I am so thankful for God’s promises. Thank you for reminding me of His promise that I (me!) can participate in His divine nature!! Thank You, Jesus! I can’t understand it at all, but I am so grateful.
What wisdom!! Thank you Lindsee!