Arise.

John 5:6-9, When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he had already been a long time in that condition, He said to him, “Do you wish to get well?” The sick man answered Him, “Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up, but while I am coming, another steps down before me.” Jesus said to him, “Arise, take up your pallet, and walk.” And immediately the man became well, and took up his pallet and began to walk.

Isn’t it interesting how the sick man did not seem to hear what Jesus said, but instead heard what he thought he needed most. He thought that he needed someone to help him into the water before someone else beat him to it; what he really needed had been lost. Are we so focused on what we think we need that we can’t hear Him at all? At least this man heard Him clearly and took the step of faith when Jesus told him not what he wanted to hear, but what he really needed.

I need to hear You more clearly for what You want to do, not what I want to do; open my eyes and ears to Your direction, Lord.