Devotion
Some people prefer you wounded
“The Jews said to the man who had been healed, "This is the Sabbath. The law prohibits you from picking up your mat." - John 5:10 (CSB)”
A man who could not walk for thirty-eight years is walking, and the first response he gets is a complaint about the mat.
The religious leaders were not celebrating. They were focused on a rule while a man was being restored. Their instinct was to protect the system rather than rejoice over the person. It is worth saying gently: some people will not know what to do with your healing. Some only knew how to relate to the wounded version of you. Some found your struggle useful. When you start to get well, those relationships get uncomfortable, and that discomfort is not proof you are doing something wrong.
Practice
Expect the pushback and decide now how you will answer it. Notice how the healed man responded. He did not argue theology. He simply told them what happened: the man who made me well told me to pick up my mat and walk. That is all you owe anyone. Today, thank God for one person who is genuinely glad you are healing, and send them a message telling them so.
Prayer
Father, keep me walking even when people around me are uncomfortable with it. Give me a plain answer and a soft heart when it comes. Thank You for the people who are cheering. Help me be that person for someone else. Amen.
This Week’s Message
This devotion follows along with this week’s message.