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An Inmate Said This and The Room Got Real

An Inmate Said This and The Room Got Real

We All Have Places We Never Want to Visit Again. Here's what you do first.

Steven Pawley
May 13, 2025

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On A Personal Note

Some of the most real and raw moments I’ve had preaching are in the prison. In New York, they routinely let serious law-breakers free. Those who remain are there for good reason!

Yet some meet Jesus there – really. And when they hear Him, things get refreshingly raw.

Friday, I asked, “What is the place you never want to return? It could be a place, a memory, a circumstance you never want to relive.” Most said “prison”. One said “darkness”. Then it got real.

The Text Message

In John 5:1-9, like those in prison, many sit around waiting a long time for something to happen. And when it does, it’s usually someone else who benefits. What do you long for?

It’s in those desperate places and harsh realities when we feel powerless that Jesus does His deepest and most thorough work in us. It’s here He brings a question not an action.

(6) The questions God asks may seem cruel until we know His character. Do you believe God alone can help or will you trust other people’s programs, prescriptions and “pools”.

(7) There are things about you only God can “fix”. But it will require His capability and your cooperation. He wants to deal with the whole person not just the horrible problem. Ready?

(8) Inmates will often reveal “prison saved my life”. God did it for them not to them and was waiting for them to be ready to hear, “wilt thou be made whole”? He asks us too.

When drowning, don’t negotiate your rescue! God gives the direction you make the decision.

Rise. Belief isn’t just what we profess, it’s what we’re willing to act upon trusting God’s word.

Take up thy bed. Others won’t be “carrying” you anymore. God will equip and empower you now.

And walk. It takes all three. You won’t be coming back to this place and everyone will know!

Have you no man? Good. You’re right where God wants you. It’s all or nothing now. You’ll grow stronger in your walk with God when you trust Him to deal with the whole you.

The decision is yours. If you believe God is capable then it’s time to cooperate, not negotiate.

Let’s Take the Message Home

Identify what you’ve been looking at for a long time but done nothing about, has imprisoned you, or you feel powerless to change? Now, look at John 5:1-9. What would Jesus ask you?

Think of all the problems that man had, all the excuses he could legitimately offer, and needs he had. (v 6) Notice what Jesus DID NOT ask. Now, what He did ask. Tell Jesus your answer by doing it (v 9).

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