| What do you do when what you need most from God feels out of your reach? |
| I don’t know his name. The Bible calls him “a certain man.” But I know part of his story. And maybe you do, too. He needed something that only God could give. And maybe you do, too. This man had gone as far as he could to seek that thing from God. And then God did something amazing. God came the rest of the way. Here’s what happened: After this there was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, which is called in Hebrew, Bethesda, having five porches. In these lay a great multitude of sick people, blind, lame, paralyzed, waiting for the moving of the water. For an angel went down at a certain time into the pool and stirred up the water; then whoever stepped in first, after the stirring of the water, was made well of whatever disease he had. Now a certain man was there who had an infirmity thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he already had been in that condition a long time, He said to him, “Do you want to be made 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, “Rise, take up your bed and walk.” And immediately the man was made well, took up his bed, and walked. John 5:1–9 (NKJV) The man with an infirmity at the pool of Bethesda had come as close as he could to God, and then God himself closed the distance. What do you need that can only come from God? James 4:8 promises that when we draw near to God, he will draw near to us. He is still the God who closes the distance. I encourage you to have a conversation with God about whatever needs are on your mind and in your heart. Draw close to him, trust him, and pour out your heart to him, just as Scripture invites. “O my people, trust in him at all times. Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge” (Psalm 62:8 NLT). |
 Parting Words Thank you for your support for my newest book, How to Journal with God. Your orders, your reviews on Amazon, and your sharing about the book on social media and with your friends are all very much appreciated. What’s next? I’m working on a brand-new Christian fiction book! You can see all of my Christian fiction and nonfiction books below, along with the links to order—and to leave a quick review of any books you’ve already read. May God bless you as you read, as you talk with him in the days ahead, and as you continue to draw near to him and trust him. To your freedom, health, and wholeness, AmyLu |
 New: “How to Journal with God” How to Journal with God is an open-door invitation to deepening intimacy with God. My heart has heard you say, “Come and talk with me.” And my heart responds, “Lord, I am coming” (Psalm 27:8 NLT). Order your copy in paperback or ebook on Amazon. Buy Now |
 Inspiring Christian Non-Fiction by AmyLu Riley How to Journal with God – NEW! Faith with Wings Stay: Why I’m Still Here, A Spiritual Memoir Jesus as Healer: Miracles and Meditations in Luke |
