You know something needs to change.
You’ve prayed about it. Thought about it. Maybe even felt stirred to act.
But then that hesitation kicks in.
What if this isn’t the right time?
What if I look foolish?
What if nothing happens?
So you hold back.
Let’s see what the Scripture actually says.
The Verse (KJV)
“And it came to pass also on another sabbath, that he entered into the synagogue and taught: and there was a man whose right hand was withered.
And the scribes and Pharisees watched him, whether he would heal on the sabbath day; that they might find an accusation against him.
But he knew their thoughts, and said to the man which had the withered hand, Rise up, and stand forth in the midst. And he arose and stood forth.
Then said Jesus unto them, I will ask you one thing; Is it lawful on the sabbath days to do good, or to do evil? to save life, or to destroy it?
And looking round about upon them all, he said unto the man, Stretch forth thy hand. And he did so: and his hand was restored whole as the other.
And they were filled with madness; and communed one with another what they might do to Jesus.”
Luke 6:6–11
The Need Was Sitting Right There
“…there was a man whose right hand was withered.”
He’s in the room.
Broken. Limited. Living with something that doesn’t work.
And nothing in the moment suggests anything is about to happen.
He didn’t interrupt. He didn’t ask.
He just showed up.
Sometimes that’s where you are too.
You’re present. You believe. But you’re not sure if anything will actually change.
The Pressure In The Room
“…they watched him… that they might find an accusation…”
This isn’t a neutral environment.
There’s tension. Criticism. Hidden resistance.
People aren’t there to receive. They’re there to judge.
That matters.
Because sometimes the atmosphere around you feels like that.
People watching. Opinions forming. Quiet pressure to stay as you are.
Do you feel that?
Jesus Brings The Issue Into The Open
“…Rise up, and stand forth in the midst.”
Jesus calls the man forward.
Out of the background. Into the center.
This is public now.
Visible.
That takes courage.
Because now everyone can see the problem.
And sometimes you’d rather keep it hidden.
But Jesus doesn’t work in hiding here.
He brings it into the light.
The Real Question Isn’t About Rules
“…Is it lawful… to do good, or to do evil?”
Jesus confronts the thinking in the room.
They’re focused on rules.
He’s focused on what is right.
Doing good isn’t restricted by timing.
Restoring someone isn’t out of place.
So healing isn’t breaking something.
It’s fulfilling what should be happening.
The Command Comes Before The Change
“…Stretch forth thy hand.”
This is the moment.
The man still has a withered hand.
Nothing has changed yet.
But Jesus tells him to do something he can’t do.
Stretch it out.
That requires a response before visible evidence.
Do you notice that?
He Did So
“…and he did so…”
No argument. No delay.
He responds.
Even though, in the natural, it doesn’t make sense.
And in that response… something happens.
Restoration Happens In The Movement
“…and his hand was restored whole…”
The healing shows up as he moves.
Not before.
Not while waiting.
In the act of responding.
That’s important.
Because sometimes you’re waiting to feel ready before you act.
But here, the action comes first.
What Was Actually Happening Here
Jesus is teaching in the synagogue.
Religious leaders are watching closely.
A man with a visible limitation is present.
And right in that setting, Jesus chooses to act.
Not later. Not privately.
Right there.
So healing isn’t dependent on perfect conditions.
It shows up in real moments, even under pressure.
Scripture Confirms This Pattern
Matthew 12 records the same event and shows Jesus saying it is lawful to do well on the sabbath.
Mark 3 highlights the same command and response.
James 2:17 again reminds that faith moves.
John 5 shows another man told to rise and walk.
So this pattern repeats.
A word is given. A response follows. Restoration happens.
The Internal Tension You Might Feel
This is where it hits.
Because you might be waiting for something to change before you act.
Waiting to feel stronger. Waiting to feel certain.
Waiting for the right moment.
But deep down, you know you’ve already heard what to do.
You’re just unsure about stepping out.
Is that what’s been holding you?
Do you feel that hesitation when it’s time to move?
What This Is Calling You Into
This passage is simple, but it’s not easy.
Jesus speaks.
The man responds.
And the response unlocks the restoration.
So your part is clear.
When Jesus shows you what to do, move.
Even if it feels uncomfortable.
Even if it looks impossible in the moment.
Act on His word.
Not after everything changes.
But as the step that leads into the change.
So right now…
what would it look like to stretch out what feels weak, instead of hiding it?
Closing Thought
The man didn’t wait for his hand to be restored before moving it.
He moved it, and it was restored.
So the real question is…
Are you waiting to see change before you act, or are you willing to act on what He said and let the change meet you there?
Call to Action: The Question That Demands an AnswerIn Acts 2:37 Peter and the Apostles were asked the question – What Shall We do? And in Acts 2:38 Peter answered, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. Do you understand this? After hearing the gospel and believing, they asked what should would do. The answer hasn’t changed friend, Peter clearly gave the answer. The question for you today is, Have you receieved the Holy Spirit Since you believed? If you’re ready to take that step, or you want to learn more about what it means to be born again of water and Spirit, visit: Come, and let the Spirit make you new. |
