The journey that leads to heaven is painful but gainful in the end. It is the way of self denial and cross-bearing. Jesus, our example endured the cross because of the joy that was set before Him. The Lord of glory went through a painful ordeal on earth to gain His place at the right hand of the throne of God in heaven. He was despised, beaten, wounded, bruised and finally crucified to die a painful death on the cross.

As professing believers we are daily exposed to the temptation to behave differently from what we have learnt from the word of God. But according to the Lord, His true disciples are those who continue in the word of God, come what may. As His sheep they hear His voice and follow Him. We must therefore strive to live our lives as His children, wherever we go.

The man in our key text was in the same unpleasant situation for a long time - thirty-eight years. He believed that one day someone would be kind enough to help get him into the healing waters at the right time. However, when Jesus came by and asked if he would like to be healed, he failed to see that the Doctor of doctors had come to his help. His trust was not in God but in man.

David could not go to battle with the armour of Saul because he had not proved them. He recalled how he killed a lion and a bear in the past, and was protected by the armour of faith. He believed that the same God that delivered him from the lion and the bear could do it again. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, and today and forever.

The promises of God are yea and amen in Christ Jesus, but anxiety and worry will hinder their performance. When there is a need, God wants us to pray, believe that we have received, and then patiently wait for the manifestation of His power. God is not a man that He should lie. The Lord will always do whatever He has promised His people. Let not your heart be troubled if you believe in Him.