Pitiful or Powerful?

There was a certain man there who had suffered with a deep-seated and lingering disorder for thirty-eight years. When Jesus noticed him lying there [helpless], knowing that he had already been a long time in that condition, He said to him, Do you want to become well? - John 5:5-6

Jesus could ask each of us that question. Do we want to become well? So much happens to us in our lives that can stumble us or hinder us from moving forward. You know what these things are in your life, just as I know what they are in mine.

Self-pity is our enemy, yet it is so easy to become consumed by it. Jesus knew that self-pity would not cure this man, nor will it heal us. Are we trapped in an emotional prison? If so, "Do we want to become well?"

Gaining freedom from all the hurt and emotional bondage locked up inside us is not an easy task. However, we can be freed. Jesus promises, but first we must want this freedom.

Do we want to be a powerful woman? We cannot be powerful and be pitiful at the same time. We must give up one. We must give up self-pity to truly be free.