John 5:1-9 – “ Now there is in Jerusalem by the sheep gate a pool, which is called in Hebrew Bethesda, having five porticoes. ³ In these lay a multitude of those who were sick, blind, lame, and withered, [waiting for the moving of the waters; ⁴ for an angel of the Lord went down at certain seasons into the pool and stirred up the water; whoever then first, after the stirring up of the water, stepped in was made well from whatever sickness with which he was afflicted.] ⁵ And a man was there who had been sick for thirty-eight years. ⁶ When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had already been sick a long time, He *said to him, “Do you wish to get well?” ⁷ The sick man answered Him, “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.” ⁸ Jesus *said to him, “Get up, pick up your mat and walk.” ⁹ And immediately the man became well, and picked up his mat and began to walk.”

It is the result of our focus that our faith either grows strong or weak.  The condition is revealed in our thoughts, words, and actions.   

In this account, we have the incredible story of the lame man at the pool of Bethesda, which reflects this truth.

It is interesting how Jesus addressed this man who had been lame for 38 years, “Do you want to get well?”  Are you kidding me?  Do I want to get well?  Why do you think I am here?  That is what I would have expected him to say.  But his focus is fatalism, so he begins to justify why he is not well and gives all the reasons he does not expect to be healed. 

Jesus ignored the man’s expressed focus and said, “Get up, pick up your mat, and walk.”  Jesus gave him the opportunity to change his focus, participate in, and receive his miracle.

What we verbalize reveals the condition of our hearts. In John 8, Jesus spoke of the evidence of faith through faithfulness: ” If you abide in My word, THEN you are genuine disciples of Mine.”  

The truth that is known has liberating power.   The “IF” is critical because it speaks of Focus, which reflects Faith.” If” is followed by actions and words that testify to where our focus and confidence lie.

John 8:36 – “So, IF the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.”  Free?  We make this strictly about salvation, but true freedom is the entire gamut of life.  It covers Everything!

We believe God for salvation and believe He can and will keep us.  But we falter regarding the rest of life.  Jesus frees our minds to receive the revelation of Who He is and What He did at Calvary.

At the Cross, Jesus totally defeated the devil.  I mean, totally!  If we focus on the Finished Work of the Cross, we know we have authority over the devil.   When we know, we speak and act in a way that reflects that knowledge and confidence.

This is not about deserving it; we do not!  It is about Him, which requires a paradigm shift in our thinking (focus), evidenced in our words and deeds.

Today, ask God to show you the fullness of the Finished Work of Jesus.  Ask for a revelation of your authority spiritually.   Ask for forgiveness for wrong focus, fill your mind with a particular promise, meditate on it, and declare it throughout the day.  

When that resonates, take another area, and do the same thing.  Speak to yourself with a psalm, sing a hymn and spiritual song, and allow joy to overflow in your heart.  Your mind will become transformed, your focus will shift, your words will change, your actions will transform, and your victory will become a reality.

May the God of Peace keep you in His perfect peace today and help you remain focused on Him, His Word, and His promises!