Wednesday, November 5, 2025

Alex Buabeng-Korsah

TOPIC:  GET UP AND OBEY

THEME SCRIPTURE: “Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk. And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked: and on the same day was the Sabbath. ~ John 5:8-9 KJV

PREPARATORY QUESTION

1. Why would Jesus say to a crippled man to rise up and walk, knowing he can't walk?

 

When Jesus saw the man who had been crippled for thirty-eight years lying by the pool of Bethesda, He asked what seemed like an obvious question: “Do you want to be made well?” (John 5:6). The man’s response was full of excuses —he had no one to help him, and others always reached the water before him. Yet Jesus looked beyond the man’s words and saw the deeper truth: the desire to be whole was still alive within him.

Then came the impossible command: “Get up, pick up your mat, and walk.” (John 5:8).

It made no logical sense for a paralyzed man to be told to rise—but the Word of Christ created the very power it required.

The man simply obeyed, and in that moment, obedience unlocked his healing.

Many of us remain “by the pool”, trapped in cycles of waiting and excuses. Fear, self-doubt, and comparison to others paralyze us more than any physical ailment. Yet when Christ calls, His command carries both authority and enablement. As Augustine wrote, “God commands what He will, and gives what He commands”. The same Christ who spoke life to the lame man speaks to you today: “Get up.”

Jeremiah also protested, “I am too young!” (Jeremiah 1:6). But God silenced his fear with a promise: “Do not be afraid…for I am with you” (Jer 1:8).

Divine calling always comes with divine enabling. Faith doesn’t reason through how—it simply responds in obedience to a person who can be trusted.

Charles Spurgeon once said, “Faith is reason at rest with God”. The path to wholeness always begins with obedience. The miracle often follows motion. When you take that trembling step of faith, strength will meet your weakness, courage will confront your fear, and grace will cover your inadequacy. Glory to God.

Beloved, what must you do practically to get out of a stagnating situation?

1. Identify your pool. What area of your life have you remained stagnant in—waiting instead of obeying?

2. Listen for His command. Spend quiet time with God, asking what He’s calling you to rise into today.

3. Act immediately. Obedience delayed is often obedience denied. Take the first step, however small.

4. Lean on His power. Remember, your ability doesn’t qualify you—His word sustains you.

Beloved, Faith does not eliminate questions. But faith knows where to take them. If you have stagnated for a while, it is time to ask why. Take your questions to God, and one word from Him will endow you with an entire life-changing formula.

Remain blessed.

FURTHER READING: John 5:1–18; Jeremiah 1:5–10; John 14:12–14

Call to Salvation: Today is your day if you have not received salvation by turning over your life to Jesus Christ. Click here to do so.

QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU MEDITATE ON THE WORD

1. What excuses have kept you from acting on God’s instruction?

2. How does Jesus’ command, “Get up,” challenge your current mindset or fears?

3. What would obedience look like for you today?

PRAYER

Lord Jesus, speak Your word of power into my life. Help me to rise above my excuses and fears. Teach me to trust that when You call, You also empower. Strengthen my faith to obey even when it feels impossible. I choose today to get up, walk, and follow You—knowing that Your grace is my strength. In Jesus' precious name, Amen

One-Year Bible Reading Plan

Psalm 144; 1 John 2; Job 13