It’s Your Turn Now

Bishop Riggen preaches from John 5:1-9, focusing on the pool of Bethesda, which means 'house of mercy.' He describes the multitude of impotent, blind, halt, and withered folk waiting for the angel to trouble the water, so the first to enter would be healed. After 38 years, a certain man lies helpless, unable to get in before others. Jesus asks, 'Wilt thou be made whole?' and then commands him to rise, take up his bed, and walk—healing him instantly. The bishop uses his imagination to suggest that before Jesus asked the question, He might have said, 'You've waited long enough—now it's your turn.' This becomes the core: there is a time to wait on God and a time to move. He contrasts the waiting season with the action season, citing David in 2 Samuel 5, who inquired of the Lord and was told to wait for the sound of marching in the mulberry trees before attacking. When the water moved, only the one who moved received the miracle. Bishop Riggen warns against becoming too familiar with God's presence, missing gentle stirrings for dramatic signs. He declares that Jesus has now come, and the one who moves the water says it is your turn. He urges listeners not to miss their move, to step out of comfort zones, and to believe God for breakthroughs in finances, healing, relationships, and revival. One step of faith can bring a miracle.