The first step in overcoming problems, whether they are physical, emotional, or spiritual, is to admit you are in need and desire a change.  Jesus asked the man who had been lying by the Bethesda pool for thirty-eight years a very important question:  "Do you want to be made well?" (John 5: 1-15).  In other words, do you care enough about your problem to do something about it - even if it requires on your part some action, effort, sacrifice, or even suffering?

 

As is typical of so many in need, this man answered the Lord with self-pity.  When Jesus sees you in need of help and sends a willing person to help, do you play the martyr role?  "There's no hope for me.  Nobody loves me."  The person who clings to this attitude is unlikely to experience healing. Because Jesus is gracious and knows you deepest desires, He often cuts through your weeping and self-martyrdom and puts you to the test. "Get up," He says.  "Take your problem and move on.  Do not wait for other people to pity you.  Get up."

 

If you are in need of a touch for the Lord, ask yourself if you are so eager to be changed that you are willing to do something about your situation.  When you let God know you are obedient to His will and eager to do whatever it takes for you to be whole, He will send Jesus in the form of a person, a verse for His Word, or a new thought in your mind.  Act upon what God tells you to do.  He made you, and He knows how to fix precisely what is broken within you.  Finally, when you feel God's power bring about positive changes in your life, do not let doubters convince you these changes are only coincidence.  Walk firmly away as did the man with his mat under his arm and say simply "Jesus healed me."