I was inspired to write this post after God gave me a word of encouragement for my loved one and subsequently a reminder for myself. We are living in such uncertain times, but God is faithful, and He wants us to trust Him more than ever. The despair can sometimes be overwhelming and leave us in a paralyzed state. But we must believe God to get up. There is also a video of encouragement now up on YouTube, so check that out as well, and please share for those who also need encouragement: https://youtu.be/ltPcmKs92uE?feature=shared

It is hard to come out of despair when depression and sadness weigh you down.

What about the years of disappointment and sickness?

Hopelessness and financial hardship?

Stress and fear that feel never-ending?

When life shifts painfully and unpredictably, we wonder:

Does God still care?

Because honestly, He seems silent… and absent in the pain.

You’ve been waiting on this long road for someone—anyone—to finally stop.
To finally see you.
To finally help you into your miracle.
Your healing.
Your breakthrough.
Your new beginning.
Your change.

You begin to wonder: Maybe God doesn’t care that I’m at my breaking point. Maybe this is punishment. Maybe He won’t come through this time…

You feel weary and stuck. Life has bruised you and kept you in a place where you’re both hurting and somehow comfortable in the ditch of despair.

Yes, trials and tribulations are part of life in a broken world. Sometimes, we suffer because of our own choices and sin. Other times, simply because life happens. And sometimes, we suffer for Christ’s sake. But no matter the reason, God uses every trial to build character, deepen our faith, and draw us closer to Him.

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble.
But take heart! I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33

“We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance.
And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.” – Romans 5:3–4

Still, it can be hard to rejoice and even feel grateful in the midst of suffering — especially when the weight of it all feels like it’s choking the very life and hope out of you.

Yet, we must remember that this too shall pass and that our trials are temporary.
We must also allow ourselves to grieve and give ourselves grace during this time.

And when Jesus walks up beside you — yes, you — and asks, “Do you want to be healed?” Don’t respond with who didn’t help you. Don’t explain why you think healing is impossible.

Just say… Yes

Receive His healing.
Receive His care.
Receive His love.

Let hope beat loudly in your heart again.

“And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because He has given us the Holy Spirit
to fill our hearts with His love.” – Romans 5:5

His love never fails.
His promises are yes and Amen.
His grace is enough.
And His salvation carries a love stronger than any present trouble.

Jesus is on His way, and He sees you. He has counted every sleepless toss and turn.
Every tear is recorded in His ledger. Every ache etched in His book (Psalm 56:8).

“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.” – Romans 8:28

“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” – Jeremiah 29:11

This season may be dark.
But there is light — because there is God.
He sees you.
He values you.
He weeps with you.
Even if your tears fall in the rain — He will not lose one.

Like the man at the Pool of Bethesda, you’ve been lying there waiting. You may be surrounded by others who are hurting, too. But Jesus sees you. He knows your exact condition. He wants to lift you up with His love and raise you out of despair.

“One who was there had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, He asked him, ‘Do you want to get well?’ ‘Sir,’ the invalid replied, ‘I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred…’” – John 5:5–7

But this is not about who helped you — or didn’t. This is about who is standing before you now.

Jesus.

Will you doubt Him because it’s been so long?
Or will you say yes and receive?

Don’t worry about the others who got healed first. Jesus has more than enough for you.

You tried before.
You struggled.
But now, it won’t be by your strength.

And once you say yes…

“Then Jesus said to him, ‘Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.’ At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked…” – John 5:8–9

The man was healed instantly.
But Jesus didn’t stop there. He told him to pick up the mat and walk.

Trust that when God speaks a word over your life, it will not return void. Trust that He wants you whole. Trust Him — and don’t forget your mat.

Because you won’t be in this place anymore.

And you don’t need to leave it behind for someone else to lie on.

That mat will become a testimony: proof that you’re not who you used to be. And proof God stopped beside you, saw you, and brought you out of a place you’ve been too long — all because He loves you.

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May God heal you deeply — inside and out.
May your healing overflow and become a blessing to others. May you rise from this place of despair with holy boldness and walk into the future He’s already prepared. May your faith pulse through your steps.

It’s time to get up.

Pick up your mat.

And walk.

In Jesus’ name, Amen. 🙏🏾❤️