Across the Pastor’s Desk by George Marin

 

Have you ever been stuck? Have you ever gotten stuck in the mud or snow? Have you ever had someone do something to you, and then you got stuck in that place mentally or emotionally? There is a good chance many of us have gotten stuck at one time or another in our lives.

To be stuck means to become wedged or lodged; or, the inability to progress past a certain point. In life, there are times when we get stuck. There are times when we make wrong decisions and get stuck. Other times, by no decision of our own, we find ourselves stuck in a situation. But, did you know, we can be stuck in the right place at the right time? There are times when being stuck can turn out to be the best thing that ever happened to us.

A couple of men in the Bible found themselves stuck. Neither of them, by their own doing. Bartimeus was a blind man who every day was stuck on the side of the road to Jericho. There, he would beg for money because he had no other means of support. As he spent his days begging, he heard stories of Jesus of Nazareth. He heard stories of how Jesus healed people who were sick with diseases and even healed people who were blind. This filled his heart with hope that one day he could meet Jesus personally. His wish came true. Jesus made his way down this road and Bartimeus cried out loudly, “Jesus, son of David, have mercy on me.” He caught Jesus’ attention. Jesus stopped and called for Bartimeus to be brought to him. Jesus asked him, “What can I do for you?” Bartimeus replied, “Lord, that you would heal my eyes.” Jesus fulfilled his request and healed Bartimeus. You see, this miracle took place because Bartimeus found himself stuck in the right place at the right time.

Another man was paralyzed for over 38 years, stuck next to the pool of Bethesda, a place where many sick people were brought. At a certain season, an angel would come and stir up the waters of the pool. The first person to get into the water would be healed of their infirmity. Upon Jesus’ visit to the pool one day, he learned that this man had been stuck in this condition for a very long time. Jesus went to him and asked him, “Do you want to be well?” The man immediately replied, “Sir, I have no one to help me into the pool so I can be healed.” Jesus then said to the man, “Get up, take up your bed and walk.” Again, we see a miracle performed for someone who happened to be stuck in the right place at the right time.

Friend, do you find yourself stuck? If you do, I have great news for you. Sometimes when you get stuck, God has you right where He wants you. Sometimes when you get stuck, God is preparing something special just for you. For the two men I told you about, getting stuck just happened to be the greatest thing that ever happened to them. I want to encourage you today, if you are stuck, do what Bartimeus did. He cried out to Jesus. Right where you’re stuck, you can have an intimate conversation with the Lord. Pour your heart out to him. He will not reject you. In fact, he’s been waiting for you all along.

George Marin is pastor of Grace Christian Church.