WHY DISILLUSIONED? WHY TROUBLED? YOU
HAVE THE MAN, JESUS CHRIST
The case of
the man at the Pool of Bethesda who said, “Sir, I have no man to put me into
the pool when the water is stirred up; but while I am coming, another steps
down before me" was the centre of discussion at the just concluded 7th
edition of Divine Commonwealth Conference (DIVCCON) held in National Christian Centre
Abuja from 13th – 16th November. This man was sick for 38 years. Though it was
not stated if he had spent all the 38 years at the Pool but from the story and
the man’s submission, it was obvious that he had spent so many years there. The
sickness had affected this man so severely that he couldn’t answer simple
question.
Looking at
the man, according to Bishop Sunday Adewole, “He was an old man, 38 years of
living with infirmity clearly shows that he was not a young man. He totally
depended on others for everything. This was made obvious by his statement ‘I
have no man …’ He had submitted all his dependency on another human. The
sickness had affected his mentality to the extent that he finds it difficult to
answer the question Jesus asked him correctly, he rather complained. He was a
blame shifter, a sinner, disloyal and ingrate.”
Despite all
these weaknesses in that man, who didn’t deserve what he received Jesus chose
him for healing. It was the work of grace which God has offered to humanity
through Jesus Christ. He demonstrated this grace towards this man. That grace
is sufficient for you if only you can come to the full knowledge of God and believe
that He is the Saviour.
Today, many
of us, despite our long years in the church are still disillusioned, troubled
and living in anxiety because of the challenges of life. Some people find it
hard to believe that in Christianity, we can stay without food, with sickness,
jobless, childless, no prospective spouse coming to ask for your hand in
marriage at over 40 years and many more. The present economic stress in the
country has worsened the matter. These problems and challenges have so much
affected the spiritual life of some people that today, they can hardly pray. A
young lady of about 37 years came to me and said, “Daddy, I am tired. I can no
longer pray because I have prayed and nothing seems to happen.” When I asked
why, she said, “I am now 37 years and no man is asking for my hand in
marriage.” This is a sister that is committed and dedicated but things are not
working out well for her. This is one in million cases we have today.
However, I
bring you the assurance that you have the man Jesus. There is no situation
beyond his ability. If you have Jesus, the following are available for you. a)
He can give you hope (1 Peter 1:13; Hebrews 10:23). b) He can give you joy
amidst all the challenges of life (John 16:24). c) He can provide for you
(Matthew 6:25 – 27). d) He can give you salvation (Luke 19:10; 1 Thess. 5:9).
e) He can forgive you (Ephesians 1:7 – 8). f) He can comfort you (2 Corinthians
1:3 – 4). g) He can take away your worries, care and anxiety (Psalm 55:22;
Matt. 11:28). h) He can give you eternal life (John 10:27 – 28; John 3:16, 36).
i) He can help you (Hebrews 4:15 – 16) j) He can heal you (Isaiah 53:5; 1 Peter
2:24).
Beloved, you
should understand the God you serve; His abilities and all He can do. If you
know and have Jesus, you will never be troubled or disillusioned by situations
and circumstances. Cheer up because you are not like that man at the Pool of
Bethesda (House of Mercy) who claimed that he had no man but you have the man
Jesus Christ who is abundantly able to save, heal, deliver and help.
Hallelujah!
Tabugbo Morgan Uzoma
Assisting Priest
St. Philip's Anglican Church
AGGS Compound
West End, Asaba
