I really love the story of when Jesus heals the man with leprosy (Matthew 8:1-11, Mark 1:40-45, and Luke 5: 12-16). The story is short, but so very rich with things to think about. The first thing is the man himself. He approaches Jesus humbly and immediately goes to his knees in front of Jesus. Then, he says, “If you are willing, you can make me clean.” How cool is his faith!? He doesn’t question Jesus’ ability. He doesn’t justify it – I’m a nice man, I have a family, I… — he simply gets on his knees and asks if Jesus is willing.
Jesus’ reaction to the request is so beautiful. He answers, “I am willing.” Then he reaches out and TOUCHES the man and says, “Be clean!” The result is instantaneous. Total and complete healing.
I can’t begin to count the number of times I’ve approached Jesus in prayer with my own agenda, certain that my solution to a problem is the right one. Unlike the leper, I have a habit of standing tall and informing God what’s best, then I add to my prayers justifications about why it should be done my way and make the whole thing about me.
Here’s what the leper knew that I struggle with: it isn’t about me. It’s about faith that the choices God makes for me, and all of us, are the choices that best further HIS purposes. It’s about trusting His grace and trusting His will and trusting His choices over any weak, narrow-minded agenda I have. It’s about approaching God in prayer in the same way Jesus did in Matthew 17. Jesus told God He didn’t really want to face what He was facing but ended with submission and obedience, “May Your will be done.”
Life isn’t for sissies and often it’s hard. God has our back. The Creator of the universe loves us. Oh, that we become like the leper and put all our trust in Him.
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