“Sometimes people are more satisfied with old problems than new solutions.”
– Jim Wideman

Ever feel like life is overwhelming and the pressure continues to build? You’re not alone. If you walk downtown, enter your local coffee shop, and start a conversation with a stranger, you will hear themes of busy, tired, overworked, and stressed out. But then, if you were to turn the conversation and try to offer new solutions, you will hear excuses or reasons why this will not work for them. The truth is we are often more comfortable sitting with our usual questions than running after new answers. 

Jesus encountered a man in Jerusalem, by the sheep gate pool, who had been ill for thirty-eight years. You might think that He immediately reached down to heal the man but instead Jesus asked him a question. Jesus asked him, “Do you wish to get well?” The man replied with excuses as many of us do, “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.” But Jesus was gracious and said to him, “Get up, pick up your pallet and walk.” And the man became well, picked up his pallet and began to walk. (John 5:5-9)

So, do you wish to get well? Are you willing to do the hard work, seeking after new solutions, to the stresses in your life? While you are wrestling to find these answers, here are 3 truths from John 10 where Jesus shares the parable of the Good Shepherd.n

1. Know and follow the voice of truth.

“the sheep follow him because they know his voice” (4). Are you taking the time, making yourself available to hear the truth? How’s your prayer life? Are you spending time in scripture? Do you take the time to be still and know God? If you find your tires spinning maybe you just need to start by going to Him who has the answers.

2. Eliminate distractions and inadequate input.

“A stranger they simply will not follow, but will flee from him, because they do not know the voice of strangers” (5). With so much input from well-intentioned friends and sources like social media, are you taking the time to eliminate the voices that distract you? Do your mentors base their knowledge and advice on scripture?

3. Jesus came to give you a satisfied life.

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly (10). The life of a believer should reveal traits like love, joy, peace, and patience and while we have times of stress we need to remember that Jesus said His yoke is easy and His burden is light.

Do you wish to get well? Prove it.