If You Are Willing

A man with leprosy came and knelt in front of Jesus, begging to be healed. “If you are willing, you can heal me and make me clean,” he said. Moved with compassion, Jesus reached out and touched him. “I am willing,” he said. “Be healed!” Instantly the leprosy disappeared, and the man was healed. (Mark 1:40-42 NLT)

This scripture shows a man who has no hope finding the only real hope in the world and asking Him a question that we often take for granted. We very seldom ask God if He is willing to do what we pray for. Instead we demand that He take action in our situation.

I often wonder if we realize that saying no is still an action but the no is His will for our lives. It’s not the answer we want from a God who we have chosen to worship and it is probably why individuals chose to walk away from Him. Many times we take for granted that what we want is what God has in store for us. In the case of the leper; it might not have been in God’s plan and yet He showed compassion and brought healing. That is not something unusual, God has done it before. He allowed King Hezekiah and additional 15 years of life.

The problem is we often forget the blessings He has already given us. Instead of looking at what He has already done we expect Him to do more.

I know that is a hard pill to swallow but God is sovereign His ways are not our ways and everything He allows is with a purpose to bring Him Glory. Jesus is willing to answer your prayers; but what you may desire is not in His will, for your life. Will you still trust Him? The man came begging and was unsure of the answer he would receive have we reached a point where we are truly begging God or are we still demanding God do something. There is a great difference in the two. I pray God gives you an open heart and mind as you walk in the light of His Word. —Rev Brian Mathis