The Question!

There are certain passages that every time I read them, I am struck by what is expressed. One of those passages relates to an encounter between Jesus and a man with leprosy.

We read…
“(12) While he was in one of the cities, there came a man full of leprosy. And when he saw Jesus, he fell on his face and begged him, ‘Lord, IF YOU WILL, YOU CAN make me clean.’ (13) And Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, ‘I WILL; be clean.’ And immediately the leprosy left him.” ( Luke 5:12-13 ESV)

As this man approached Jesus with his earnest plea, his statement did not reflect any questioning with regard to Jesus’ ability. His words were not, “if you are able“, but rather “YOU CAN make me clean.” He believed in Jesus’ ability to do it. He acknowledged it was within the Lord’s power to do so. The question was with regard to Jesus’ willingness. Would it be HIS WILL to do so? What an encouragement for this man to hear Jesus say, “I WILL” and then for it to immediately happen.

The blessings we receive at the hands of God -- how many of them do we deserve? It is because of God’s gracious and loving spirit that He has been WILLING to grant them with the hope we would respond appropriately to Him. We may not always know what GOD’S WILL is for all the situations of life, but do we allow that to cause us to question His ability?

God has the ability to do more than all that we might ask or imagine. ( Ephesians 3:20) Therefore we should ask, trusting Him to provide or withhold as He sees best. Perhaps it is better for us to have something that helps keep us humble, as was the case with Paul ( 2 Corinthians 12:7-9), than for something to be removed. Also, HIS WILL may not always be for immediate action and we are therefore called upon to trust in His timing. (note 1 Peter 5:6 and Galatians 6:9) When it is GOD’S WILL to grant our requests, let us not forget to praise and thank Him. Regardless, may we be encouraged that He is always mindful of our needs (note Matthew 6:8) and what is going on in our life.

Have a great day WILLING FOR GOD’S WILL TO BE DONE!
Carl

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