Faith Without a Promise: The Long Walk to the Pool

 

There is a moment in Scripture that often gets overlooked—not because it isn’t miraculous, but because it is uncomfortable.

In Gospel of John chapter 9, Jesus encounters a man who was blind from birth. The disciples ask a theological question—Who sinned?—but Jesus answers with purpose: “This happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him.”

Then Jesus does something unexpected.

He spits on the ground, makes mud, and anoints the man’s eyes.

Before healing.

Before clarity.

Before sight.

And instead of immediately restoring vision, Jesus gives the man an instruction:

“Go, wash in the Pool of Siloam.” (John 9:7)

That’s it.

No promise.

No explanation.

No guarantee of results.

Just… go.

Anointed, Yet Still Blind

The man was anointed but still blind.

That detail matters.

So often we believe that if God has called us, touched us, or set us apart, everything should instantly make sense. But Scripture shows us something different: sometimes the anointing comes before understanding.

Many of us are walking through seasons where we know God’s hand is on us—but our circumstances haven’t changed yet. We’re anointed, but still waiting. Called, but still uncertain. Obedient, but still uncomfortable.

And like the blind man, we are asked to move before we see.

The Journey No One Talks About

The Pool of Siloam was not nearby. This was not a symbolic stroll. This was a real journey—taken by a man who could not see, navigating obstacles, relying on sound, memory, and faith.

Jesus didn’t carry him.

Jesus didn’t escort him.

Jesus didn’t promise an outcome.

The miracle was waiting—but the man didn’t know that.

This is where faith becomes real. Faith is not believing when outcomes are guaranteed. Faith is obedience when outcomes are unknown.

How many of us are standing still because we want certainty before movement? How often do we delay obedience because we want reassurance?

The blind man teaches us something powerful: faith doesn’t demand a promise—it trusts the One who speaks.

Obedience Unlocks the Miracle

The text says simply:

“So he went and washed, and came back seeing.” (John 9:7)

The water was not special. The Pool of Siloam was not magic. The power was not in the location—it was in the obedience.

Healing came after the journey.

Vision came after submission.

Breakthrough came after follow-through.

This is where many of us get stuck. We want God to move, but we haven’t completed what He already told us to do. We want clarity, but we’re standing at the edge of obedience, waiting for confirmation instead of taking the step.

Seeing Beyond Sight

The greatest transformation in John 9 wasn’t physical—it was spiritual.

As the man was questioned, criticized, and challenged, his testimony grew stronger. He didn’t know everything—but he knew this:

“One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see.” (John 9:25)

Eventually, when Jesus reveals Himself, the man believes—and worships.

Obedience didn’t just give him sight.

It gave him purpose.

It gave him a testimony.

It positioned him to glorify God.

Your Walk Still Matters

You may be in the middle of your walk to the pool.

Still anointed.

Still unsure.

Still waiting.

But obedience is doing the thing God asked—without demanding to know how it will turn out. Your journey, just like the blind man’s, is not wasted. It is shaping your faith, refining your trust, and preparing your testimony.

Keep walking.

Vision often comes after obedience—not before.

Unapologetically, G.