How Long Has It Been?

Rise, take up thy bed, and walk. John 5:8

Sometimes we have been in a negative situation so long that we cannot ever see things getting better.  The only images we have in our mind are of defeat and failure since things have been bad so long.  Nonetheless, we must see ourselves coming out of the situation and doing better before it ever improves.  In Genesis 13:15 God said to Abraham, "For the land which thou seest, to thee will I give it."  We must see things getting better no matter how bad they are and how long they have been that way.  You must see the situation improving.  Despite the fact that Jesus knew the man in John 5:5 had been lame for 38 years, Jesus told him to take up his bed and walk.  The man's healing (or condition improving) was not predicated on the fact that he had been lame 38 years.  Do not fear that things will not get better but see yourself victorious!