The phrase for the blog was inspired by my younger sister Lashunda as we were talking about the man at the Pool of Bethesda in John Chapter 5. My sister told our Aunt Mary a while back that 38 years was half of that man’s life in the same condition. How many of us have repeatedly dealt with the same thing until we feel there is no hope? We feel stuck. Are you willing to take steps to get out?
Webster’s definition of a fool is to act unwisely. The word of God is full of wisdom. Proverbs is an excellent book on knowledge. When we reject what the word of God says because God is all-knowing, we are acting unwise, in other words, like a fool. Proverbs 1:7 says the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction. It is just like a parent or mentor who gives the child or student instructions because they have been there before, and the child/student rejects the wisdom. That person is acting foolishly. It is the same way with God. Wisdom keeps us from dangers, making a lot of mistakes, and unnecessary pain.
Most people have heard the phrase “Misery loves company.” In John 5, I noticed the man at the pool was around others who were in the same condition. Getting around people on a higher level is essential if we want to go to the next level. It is easy to hang around people like us. However, it will keep us in the same state. Matthew 15:14 says if the blind leads the blind, they both fall into the pit. I thank God for my dad, Aunt Mary, and others that pushed me to a higher level in God. It is because of them I gained wisdom and the favor of God. They also kept me from certain pitfalls. Even though sometimes it would hurt my feelings, they only gave me the wisdom to get me to the next level.
The man at the pool made excuses as to why he still could not walk. Jesus asked the man at the pool, “Do you want to be healed?” This was his response: John 5:7The 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, other steps down before me.” When you decide, you will do what is necessary to progress even if it hurts.
It is time to act, get up, and do. Jesus did not entertain the sick man’s excuse: John 5:8-9 8 Jesus said to him, “Rise, take up your bed and walk.” 9 And immediately, the man was made well, took up his bed, and walked. God left us the word of God as a manual. Begin to do what the word says, and God will give you specific instructions. The written word becomes a Rhema word (right now word) for your situation as you read it.
My last blog was “Things remain the same until we make an exchange.” I recently applied Luke 6:38 on giving, and it multiplied for me. I began giving what I had, encouraging, and praying for others. My seed multiplied. I needed repairs done on my vehicle that would have cost in the thousands to repair. My brother called me and said he had the exact car with lower miles and a newer model. All I had to give him was a few hundred dollars. My Aunt Mary would say, “Where there is a need, plant a seed.” Remember, nothing leaves heaven unless something is released naturally. Whatever you loose and bind on earth is loosed and bound in heaven Matthew 18:18
To sum it all up, get around people that can push you to the next level, stop making excuses, start getting up, and act on the word. The word of God becomes living when we believe and act on it.
Do not be “The fool at the pool!”
Prayer: God, I thank you for leaving me the word of God as a guide to keep me from making unwise decisions. I repent for not doing what the word of God says, making excuses, and acting foolishly. God, you are my Heavenly Father and want the best for me. God, help me to die daily
to my flesh and evil desires. Your word says have no confidence in the flesh. I put my trust and confidence in you because in my flesh dwells nothing good. I make no more excuses. I surround myself with people that can push me to a higher level in you, God. I get up, act on my word, and get results. I thank you for delivering me speedily. In Jesus’ name! Amen.
This was such an awesome word Sharon! I’m be thing I know about you is that you are always generous and sowing seeds as well as walking in wisdom.
Lord knows I’ve been a fool doing foolish things too many times and years of my life but I and blessed and grateful for the love, mercy and word of God that has pierced, penetrated and encouraged my heart to do better and be better.
You are an awesome inspiration and I pray that God continues to cover and bless you.
Glory to God. Yes we all have been foolish at times in our lives including me. The blogs helps me as well. it makes me search myself in certain areas. I refuse to be like the fool at the pool. I ask God to help me in areas I have a challenge with. I won’t to progress. I refuse to be stuck. I want to always grow in the wisdom and knowledge of God.