Episode notes

Have you ever felt a little invisible? This may make us feel lonely, but we are not alone in feeling them. The Bible is full of people who understand and relate to exactly how we feel, and we can learn from them that God always sees. He notices what we go through, even if no one else does, and he wants to do something about our pain.

Today’s story is about a guy who had been sick for 38 years, lost in a sea of other sick, disabled, and otherwise overlooked people. It seems that he had given up long ago on any hope of connection or healing. But then, he was noticed by one person, and that one interaction changed his life forever. His story tells us what we can do when we feel invisible and alone, and how God can give us the connections we long for. Check out our newest Mini Quiet Time to learn more about what to do when you feel invisible and want to feel seen.

References:

I am as good as dead to them. Forgotten! Like a shattered clay pot, I am easily discarded and gladly replaced. [14] But I pour my trust into You, Eternal One. I’m glad to say, “You are my God!” [15] I give the moments of my life over to You, Eternal One. Rescue me from those who hate me and who hound me with their threats. [16] Look toward me, and let Your face shine down upon Your servant. Because of Your gracious love, save me!

Psalm 31:12,14-16 Voice

Many sick people were lying on the porches beside the pool. Some of them were blind, some were crippled, and some were paralyzed. [5] One of the men lying there had been sick for 38 years. [6] Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had been sick for a very long time. So he asked him, “Do you want to be well?” [7] The sick man answered, “Sir, there is no one to help me get into the water when it starts moving. I try to be the first one into the water. But when I try, someone else always goes in before I can.”

John 5:3,5-7 ERV

Then Jesus said, “Stand up! Pick up your mat and walk.” [9] Immediately the man was well. He picked up his mat and started walking. The day all this happened was a Sabbath day. [10] So some Jews said to the man who had been healed, “Today is the Sabbath. It is against our law for you to carry your mat on the Sabbath day.” [11] But he answered, “The man who made me well told me, ‘Pick up your mat and walk.’” [12] They asked him, “Who is the man who told you to pick up your mat and walk?” [13] But the man who had been healed did not know who it was. There were many people there, and Jesus had left. [14] Later, Jesus found the man at the Temple and said to him, “See, you are well now. But stop sinning or something worse may happen to you!”

John 5:8-14 ERV

About the show

Mini Quiet Times are short, immersive podcast episodes that bring scriptures to life to help you connect with God. A typical episode lasts between 6-12 minutes.

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