CONCERT OF PRAYER

Pray Week 857

“No Excuses”

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 5:8-9)

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I confess that I become frustrated and impatient when I can’t get a straight answer to a direct question. Some questions illicit a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’ response, yet many people respond with an excuse-laden story that leaves me unsure of their answer. In our reference Scripture Jesus asked the paralytic a pointed question, ‘Do you want to get well?’ Instead of a direct ‘yes’ or ‘no’ response Jesus got a story and excuses from the man. (John 5:7).

What pointed question is Jesus asking you today? ‘Do you want eternal life?’ ‘Do you want to be healed?’ ‘Do you want to get out of debt?’ ‘Do you want to save your marriage?’ How do you respond to such close-ended questions? Do you tell a story about how religious you are and all that you do and give to help others? Do you relate to Jesus all that the doctors are saying and going to try? Do you tell Jesus about how badly others have hurt you and give Him reasons why forgiveness is out of the question? Do you respond succinctly to His pointed question or offer a story full of excuses?

It is well past the time for many of us to muster up some backbone. Get a grip! Make a decision. “Yes, Jesus, I acknowledge my sin and I want eternal life through you.” or “Yes, Jesus, I want my marriage to be healed.” Jesus healed the paralytic, but he made him take the action of getting up, picking up his mat and walking away. We also, after responding to Jesus, need to stand up and take action.

We take action when we repent and turn away from a lifestyle of sin and seek first God’s kingdom and righteousness. We take action when we forgive and seek forgiveness in our relationships. We take action when we change our materialistic behaviors and work to get out of debt by living within our means and being faithful stewards of God’s provision. These actions are all prefaced with a no excuse, ‘Yes’ response to Jesus.

Jesus wants us to stand strong against the schemes of the enemy. We can only do that if we are wearing the full armor of God and that is something we have to take action to put on. We have to act to stand up and stand firm. We have to act to advance against the enemy. We cannot wish the devil’s schemes away. It takes a backbone of prayer. It takes a backbone to deny oneself and say ‘No’ to the temptation of sin. It takes a backbone of faith and hope to say ‘Yes’ to Jesus.

May you have the spiritual strength to stand in the authority that is yours through Christ Jesus, Our Lord and Savior. May you walk continually in His presence living a no excuses lifestyle of faith.