THE GOD WHO STIRS THE WATERS FOR HEALING
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: John 5:1-9
Key Verse: “For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had.” — John 5:4 (KJV)
Supporting Texts: Exodus 15:26; Psalm 107:20; Isaiah 53:5; Matthew 8:16-17; James 5:14-15
INTRODUCTION:
In every generation, God reveals Himself as the Great Physician who heals the broken, restores the afflicted, and makes the sick whole. At the pool of Bethesda, the divine stirring of the water symbolised moments of supernatural visitation when heaven touched earth to bring healing.
The man at the pool had been waiting for thirty-eight years, bound by affliction and hopelessness. Yet, the day came when the true Healer, Jesus Christ appeared and changed his story forever. The stirring of the waters reminds us that God still moves in appointed seasons to heal, deliver, and restore His people.
Healing is not just physical; it is spiritual, emotional, and mental. Whenever God stirs the waters; whether through His Word, prayer, worship, or the anointing, broken lives are made whole, and long-standing afflictions disappear.
1. GOD IS THE SOURCE OF ALL HEALING
All true healing flows from the throne of God, not from human ability or medicine alone.
a) God reveals Himself as the Great Physician (Exodus 15:26)
God declared, “I am the LORD that healeth thee.” His nature is to restore and renew.
b) Healing is part of the covenant promise (Deuteronomy 7:15)
Those who walk in obedience to God experience divine health and protection from diseases.
c) The Word of God carries healing power (Psalm 107:20)
When God sends His Word, it brings deliverance from sickness and destruction.
d) Jesus demonstrated God’s healing nature (Matthew 8:16-17)
Every miracle of healing in Jesus’ ministry reveals the heart of God to make men whole.
Biblical Example: Naaman the leper received healing when he obeyed the divine instruction to dip in the Jordan River (2 Kings 5:10-14).
2. DIVINE STIRRING PREPARES THE GROUND FOR MIRACLES
The stirring of the water at Bethesda was a sign that heaven had visited earth.
a) The stirring represents divine visitation (John 5:4)
God moves at specific times to release His power for healing and restoration.
b) Miracles require moments of divine stirring (Isaiah 64:1)
When God manifests His presence, impossible situations become possible.
c) Spiritual sensitivity is key to receiving (Luke 19:44)
Many miss their moment because they fail to recognise the time of divine visitation.
d) The Holy Spirit is the Living Water that stirs our hearts (John 7:37-39)
Today, God stirs the waters of our spirit through His Spirit who dwells within us.
Biblical Example: The day of Pentecost was a divine stirring that released power and healing to the early church (Acts 2:1-4, 43).
3. FAITH IS REQUIRED TO STEP INTO THE STIRRED WATERS
It is not enough for the waters to be stirred; one must respond in faith.
a) Faith connects us to divine healing (Mark 5:34)
Jesus said, “Thy faith hath made thee whole.” Faith activates the flow of healing power.
b) Delay can be broken by determined faith (Mark 10:46-52)
Bartimaeus refused to be silenced until his healing came.
c) Excuses keep many from stepping into healing (John 5:7)
The man at the pool complained instead of believing; yet mercy overruled his excuses.
d) Obedience brings manifestation (John 5:8-9)
When Jesus commanded him to rise, he acted immediately and received strength.
Biblical Example: The woman with the issue of blood received instant healing because she stepped out in faith to touch Jesus (Mark 5:25-34).
4. JESUS IS THE TRUE STIRRER OF THE WATERS
In Christ, the symbolic pool becomes a living reality.
a) Jesus replaces the angelic stirring with divine presence (John 5:6-9)
He is the Living Water who heals by His Word and Spirit.
b) His compassion breaks long-standing afflictions (Matthew 14:14)
Jesus is moved by love, and His love releases healing virtue.
c) The power of the Holy Spirit continues His work today (Acts 10:38)
Jesus went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed of the devil.
d) There is no sickness beyond His reach (Philippians 2:9-10)
At the name of Jesus, every disease must bow.
Biblical Example: The paralytic lowered through the roof was healed instantly when Jesus spoke the Word (Mark 2:1-12).
5. GOD STILL STIRS THE WATERS TODAY
The move of God for healing did not end at Bethesda; it continues through His Spirit and His Church.
a) Healing is available to all who believe (James 5:14-15)
The prayer of faith still heals the sick today.
b) Worship and praise release divine healing atmosphere (2 Chronicles 5:13-14)
When God’s glory fills the place, sickness cannot remain.
c) The anointing stirs the flow of divine virtue (Luke 6:19)
Power went out from Jesus and healed them all; that power still flows today.
d) Every believer can be a channel of healing (Mark 16:17-18)
God still uses His people to stir the waters of healing in the world.
Biblical Example: Peter’s shadow brought healing to the sick because the anointing upon him stirred divine virtue (Acts 5:15-16).
CONCLUSION:
The same God who stirred the waters of Bethesda is still at work today. His presence is no longer limited to a pool, a place, or a season. Through Jesus Christ, the fountain of living water, healing is available anytime and anywhere faith is found.
Whatever your affliction; spiritual, physical, or emotional, God is able to heal you. Step into the waters of faith today. As you yield to His Word and Spirit, your healing, restoration, and wholeness shall manifest speedily.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Father, thank You because You are still the Great Physician today.
2. Lord, stir the waters of my life for divine healing and restoration.
3. Every long-standing affliction in my body, disappear in Jesus’ name.
4. Holy Spirit, move in my life and stir my faith for healing.
5. Father, let every stagnant area of my life experience divine stirring.
6. Lord, silence every voice of doubt and unbelief hindering my healing.
7. Let Your healing power flow through me to others, Lord.
8. Father, renew my strength and restore every wasted area of my health.
9. Lord Jesus, release Your healing virtue into every broken heart today.
10. Father, make me a vessel that carries and releases Your healing power.
