Breakthrough

by: Jackie Brindle

“Do you want to get well?” This is the question Jesus asks a paralyzed man in John 5, a most obviously helpless man. Why did Jesus even ask the question? He knew he wasn’t well yet he asks the man anyways, “Do you want to get well?” (John 5:6)

I feel like it could be interpreted in a few ways, by Jesus saying to that man:

-Do you want to better yourself?

-Are you willing to trust me, even if the prayer that’s on your heart gets answered or not?

-Are you going to have faith even if the waters get rough?

-Even now, with nothing left to lose, are you all in?

-Do you want to rise up? Will you be willing to ask for my strength and not seek it out on your own?

-Will you seek me first?

Let’s dive in!

I am really grateful for the friends that have been placed in my life. Especially, the friends who will hold me accountable. The friends who encourage me to seek biblical truths and promises, that help me fight my battles. The friends who give me a different perspective, even if it’s not the words I am ready to hear. These incredible people who have walked down paths before me and have come out on the other side with wisdom, I would not have known otherwise. I will forever cherish the advice from those people. It may not even be my closest friend, but somehow whatever was said at that moment --- touched me. It encouraged me to keep putting one foot in front of the other.

In a similar way, Jesus asked a man a stirring question. Only a best friend would dare to ask.

“Do you want to get well?”

In my early 20s, I asked God to place a friend like that in my life. A person who would help me stay true to myself, my faith, and help me when I am facing life at my worst. It wasn’t a loud prayer. It wasn’t something I said over and over, but I remember asking. I knew I couldn’t face this world without someone to encourage me along the path, I knew God had set out for me.

Still to this day, He continues to answer this prayer at the exact moment I need it the most. You know what? He listens. I know this to be certain because it’s through these people that the Lord has given me strength. Sometimes it feels like I am carrying a backpack filled with worries, anxieties, confusion, stress, kids that somehow always seem to make me late for things, and YET there is peace in the storm!

Here’s what I know. God does answer prayers and is my help when I am in need. Even if the prayer or what I say in my mind is quick, the noise is loud around me --- I still ask for God’s grace and help! I can’t explain it, I don’t even know when it happens but the heavy backpack that once seemed so heavy, weighed down -- isn’t anymore. There is a shift that happens when I put my trust in Him and let Jesus carry it all.

I am not saying that everything is like a Full House episode where everything transforms with a hug and a theme song, at that moment. All I can speak to is what God has done for me. Although that would be pretty awesome.

I know that God promises that I .. we ...are more than conquerors! So we better start acting like it! Amen! I can’t explain it, but I know I know I know, those friends that God has placed in my life are no accident. If you are still seeking that friend that will lift you up and encourage you. Let me share some words that will help your heaviness feel lighter today. I am believing with you, for that healing, the promotion at work, the peace in the storm, the family you keep praying for, for the debt to be paid off, for the hardened hearts to be softened because I know a GOD who is working on your breakthrough!

>To the girl seeking their way through a break up and in need of a friend, call on the one who hears your cries, who sees your insecurities and loves you just as you are. Rise up sister, God has great plans in store for you!

>To the parents surviving sleepless nights, running on coffee, and tackling all the ups and downs of parenting, I get it! Ask for HELP! Today, I really wanted to go out for a run and ⅔ kids were going to a friend’s house. My husband was busy and I really needed to burn off some stress. So I asked a friend if she’d watch my son for an hour and half. At first, I felt guilty asking her, wondering what she would think? But, I know that running keeps me well. It keeps me being the best version of me. I ASKED AND SHE said yes! It was a game changer for my mood, my energy, and to help me conquer the rest of the day. Moms and Dads need their time to recharge too! Can I get an AMEN!?

>To the girl who is feeling broken because of self serving choices and now you’ve hit rock bottom. There is HOPE! Jesus is calling on you. Asking, if you want to get well! God is making a way for you, a way that you, my darling, could ever ask for or imagine! I believe that! You don’t need to compare yourself to anyone else when you know that you are made with a purpose and on purpose. Keep seeking the help you need and watch God make you feel whole again! (This goes for the boys too!)

>For those who are waiting on a breakthrough, I know you want to get well. I see the fight in your eyes, the sacrifices you made. I see you are praying and trying to stay above water! Keep at it. This is the season that is preparing you to be equipped to handle what lies ahead and to help others when they need a friend like you in their journey! I can’t ever answer “Why?” but I do know God is faithful.

The heart of what I so badly want you to know is this:

Romans 8:28 “..And we know that in all things, God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

That is YOU! The promise here is that God is listening to all of us. His love never runs out and it’s not just for some or a few, it’s for us all! Time and time again in the word, God helps the lost, the lonely, the troubled, the worried, the hopeless, the helpless, the wandering, the underdogs…. Come on! I am getting fired up writing this because He’s the one who sees us as we are. He loves to take our messes and make them a masterpiece! I know this because I am a HOT mess most days, YET it is by His amazing grace, He still saved a wretch like me.

Amazing grace how sweet the sound.

John 5:14, Jesus later saw the man (walking in the temple) and said, “See, you are well again...”

Prayer:

Father God, I thank you that I can bring all my cares to you because you care for me. I thank you, that I can place my hope in you and your love will never fail me. You make me well time and time again! I pray for my breakthrough and the breakthrough of others. I choose to trust you in all circumstances. The truth is, is that you will and have gone before me. I pray that in the moments I can't seem to find my footing, you will send me a friend who will build me up in strength, wisdom, laughter, and peace. Also, give me the courage I need to be humble, so I can seek help, when I need it. With You I can and WILL be more than a conqueror!

In Jesus name,

Amen