The player was struggling, missing foul shot after foul shot in practice. Obviously frustrated, the player continued after practice working on her game. Her coach sat idly by, watching. He got up to watch more closely. Rebounding miss after miss he offered, "Do you want me to help you?" "No, I do not. I can fix my own problem," she shot back. He smiled and continued to rebound.

He sat there by the pool at Bethesda, an invalid for 38 years. Broken in body and spirit, he sat waiting … waiting for someone to help. Jesus came by the pool one day and asked him a simple question, "Do you want to be well?" The invalid humbly spoke and said there was no one to help him into the pool to be healed. Jesus offered His help. He said, "Get up! Pick up your mat and walk!" The invalid did just that. He took Jesus at His word and followed His direction. Jesus spoke, and it happened. Another miracle, yes, but a better case made for basic belief.

After rebounding for what seemed like an eternity between makes, the coach offered again. "Do you want me to help you?" Broken and in tears, she nodded. The coach made a minor adjustment to her form and said, "Try again." She eyed the basket, let the ball go and … swish! Repeatedly she shot, making basket after basket. What made the difference? She allowed her coach to help.

The invalid in the book of John, like the player, knew he needed help. They truly desired help and healing. Jesus, the Master Coach, can heal whatever ails you. You may not be a 38-year invalid, but you are still sick. Sick in sin and living a life unworthy of Christ, you are still offered help. He offers His hand. He offers His healing. Will you take it or reject it? Rejecting Him once is childish, but rejecting Him repeatedly is foolish. Take Him at His word!