by

Pastor B.J. Knefley

Learned helplessness describes individuals who believe they cannot achieve their goals. It often comes with low self-esteem, depression, and passiveness. Usually, people with this mindset undermine themselves before they even try, guaranteeing failure from the start.

Jesus asked the man lying at the Pool of Bethesda, who had been sick for 38 years, if he wanted to be well. The man responded that he didn’t have anyone to put him in the water when the waters were stirred. Instead of answering the question, he explained why he couldn’t get well. He had learned to be helpless. 

I recently talked with a young man who described the vicious cycle of his life and how he wants to break free from it. During our conversation, I offered him different ideas and solutions to get started. Each time, he had an excuse for why it wouldn’t work or why he couldn’t do it. Finally, I suggested he seek counseling in his area. I hope he follows through.

The problem is that if we think we can’t, we won’t. We condemn ourselves before we even begin. Sometimes worry does this to us when we fret and rehearse an outcome that never happens. Or when we sit by the phone waiting for a call that never comes. Many things keep us in bondage. They also keep us stuck in the same rut day after day. There’s another problem we often overlook. Remember the question Jesus asked the man? What would happen if he were healed? He’d have to carry his cot; he wouldn’t be able to rely on others to take him around; he’d need to get a job and support himself; and the list goes on. You see, if we’re going to get well, our lifestyle must change. Sometimes, people become used to their situation, making it hard to change. Remember, any goal without a plan is just a dream.

If you feel stuck and can’t see a way out, remember that where you are might just be the result of your own choices. Think about it.