Jesus encounters this man and heals him. He walks! But this man fails to even ask for the identity of Jesus. He has no idea who healed him. Later, Jesus finds him and Jesus utters these peculiar words: "Stop sinning or something worse may happen to you." Now we know that Jesus does NOT connect sinning (John 9:3) within sickness. Jesus' words seem like a mystery.

Studies show that the pool where this man waited had become a pool dedicated to a pagan god, Asclepius. People who waited there had given up waiting on the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. They had turned to a "new" god named Ascelpius. Waiting on the true and living God had become tiresome. Maybe the new god in town could help. Maybe the "magic of the waters" could bring healing. But, alas, this new god could not heal as Jesus did.

We have our ailments, physical and emotional. We are told to bring them to God. Sometimes we, like the invalid in John 5, are tempted. We are tempted to believe that God does not care about our hurts. We may believe we are alone. There does not even seem to be any magic to help us.

One part of our Christian faith is to remember that God's help is present in ALL that we face. There are times when relief seems to come fast. But when we must live with our problems or pains, that does not mean God is absent. Such is not a time to turn to the "magic" of some "other" god. Rather, it is time to turn ot God all the more. For God's help is known in the middle of the tempest. The saints of the ages have found God's help even when they hurt. Our faith is built up as we trust God with our cares. Jesus, the God of the cross, actually experiences what we do, and takes us through. Through it all!

Peter, the fisherman says, "Cast all of your cares in Him, for He cares for you." Don't give up. The testimony of the ages if that our God sees His people through. His power is present even as trials persist. We are held in His hand. He never lets go. God is with us in the tempest, and He will see us through.

Blessings! ---Pastor Brad