HOST: Michael Whitworth
And a leper came to him, imploring him, and kneeling said to him, “If you will, you can make me clean.” Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand and touched him and said to him, “I will; be clean.” And immediately the leprosy left him, and he was made clean. And Jesus sternly charged him and sent him away at once, and said to him, “See that you say nothing to anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleansing what Moses commanded, for a proof to them.” But he went out and began to talk freely about it, and to spread the news, so that Jesus could no longer openly enter a town, but was out in desolate places, and people were coming to him from every quarter.
“If You will…” It wasn’t Jesus’ ability or power that this leper questioned; it was His willingness. He understood that he had no right to demand, and that it was ultimately Jesus’ decision whether to heal Him. His life was in Jesus’ hands. We often find ourselves in a similar position—praying to God about some problem or hardship in our lives, understanding that we are subject to His will. We ask, hope, beg, and wonder about God’s will for our lives. We know He has the power but hope that He is willing. But just as Jesus was willing to heal the leper, God is willing to help and bless us. His answers to our prayers may not always come in the way that we requested or hoped, but His answers are always perfect and best for us. While we do not always know exactly what God’s will is for the different circumstances of our lives, we should never waver in our faith that He is willing!
Why is it important that we submit to God’s will as we pray to Him?
Don’t forget to pray and have a great day!