Have you ever felt stuck in your struggles, unsure if you truly want to change? The story of Jesus and the man at Bethesda challenges us to examine our desire for healing. This man had been ill for 38 years, waiting by the pool for a chance to be healed. When Jesus asked if he wanted to be healed, the man explained his difficulties, but Jesus simply told him, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk” (John 5:8). This story teaches us that sometimes, our issues become part of our identity, and we may fear change more than we desire healing. Anxiety, depression, and despair can be so ingrained that we feel safer in our struggles than facing the uncertainty of healing. Are there areas in your life where you feel stuck, where your struggles have become part of who you are? What steps can you take to move toward healing? Remember, Jesus offers the power and the command to rise from our afflictions and walk into a new life.