Reflections by the Pool of Bethesda

Last month, a friend who was touring Israel emailed me a photo of the Pool of Bethesda – it made me think back on hospital days when I’d always ask visitors to read the 5th chapter in the Gospel of John to me. I’d picture myself by this same pool, waiting, like all the rest, to be healed. Although I prayed for physical healing, God said ‘no.’ But how wise of Him! Because a ‘no’ answer has meant ‘yes’ to a deeper prayer life, a vibrant love for His Word, a compassion for others who hurt, a despising of sin, a happy hope of heaven, an attitude of gratitude, a growing dependence on God, and an ever-increasing love for Jesus. In short, God did a deeper healing. I’ve learned there really are more important things in life than walking. If you are struggling with a physical issue, and God doesn’t seem to be answering your requests for healing, look for the deeper healing. It’s something that will last for all of eternity :-).