Will You be Made Whole?

“When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole?” –John 5:6

While reflecting on this passage of scripture, I thought of how holistic God is in shaping our lives and building His character in us. I noticed, Jesus did not ask this man, who had been bed ridden with sickness for thirty-eight years, if he wanted to  have it all together.  He only asked if he wanted to be made whole.  According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, the word whole means complete or full: not lacking or leaving out any part; free of defect or impairment. Other definitions include, physically healthy and mentally or emotionally sound.

There is a big difference between being whole and having it all together. For example, it is possible to have all the pieces of a puzzle together and yet not have it assembled correctly. By the way, no one has it all together. However, by the grace of God, anyone can be made whole. The operative word here is “made.”

When God originally created mankind, we were without blemish and perfectly whole in Him. After the fall of man, our blood line became polluted, with a terminal disease called sin. As a result, we became broken and spiritually void (Genesis chapters 2 and 3). In order for us to be made whole again, we have to go to our creator, Father God. The only way to receive access to the Father is through His son Jesus Christ. Only Jesus Christ can make can complete and make us whole again.“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” John 14:6

As humans, we sometimes view our lives in lieu of our past or present experiences. Often, we make decisions based on what we feel, see or have seen. However, making decisions solely on these bases can be very detrimental to the overall successful of our lives.  That is why, it is so important to acknowledge God in every area of our lives. “In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Proverbs 3:6

We must have faith that God always has our best interests at heart. Faith produces obedience.  It was only after the man obeyed Jesus, which was an act of faith, that he was made completely well.

“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

There have been many times that I’ve questioned my decision to stay at home with my children, while they are young. Mainly, because it requires the sacrifice of my immediate gratification.  However, I know this is God’s will for me. He has confirmed it many times through scriptures and in my personal prayer time.

While walking in obedience to God, I’ve noticed  that He has made my family whole.  Notice, I said whole not perfect. I can see the wholesomeness in my husband, when he comes home to the aroma of a home cooked meal. I see it in our daughter, Allison when we bake cookies together and in Matt when I teach him a new lesson. I even see it in our youngest daughter, Kellie when she’s eager to grab a book and pretend she’s reading. Most of all I see it when my children express their love for God. It gives me such joy! I wouldn’t trade this time for anything I want.  I am a hundred percent sure God does not want me to sacrifice the wholesomeness of my family to pursue my dreams or career goals. In God’s time, I’ll be able to do those things but right now they are not needful. What is most important is that my family and I continue to be whole.

Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ”  -Philippians 1:6

Will you be made whole?