Matthew 8:2
“And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.”

A leper comes to Jesus for the one thing he wants more than anything else. He wants to be healed of his leprosy. I believe it’s not just some passing whim, but a desire from deep within his soul. His leprosy makes him an outcast. If Jesus heals him, he could become a full member of society again. He could fellowship with friends and family. He could experience the loving touch denied him for so long.

Although his desire for healing is great, the leper doesn’t demand to be healed. He doesn’t grab Jesus’ cloak and say, “Heal me!” No, not at all. In humility, he says to Jesus, “Lord, if thou wilt…” The leper doesn’t assume Jesus will want to heal him. He hopes Jesus will heal him, but he’s not sure.

However, the leper is sure that Jesus can heal him. He says, “… thou canst make me clean.” He has faith in Christ’s ability to heal while at the same time not knowing if Christ will desire to use that ability to heal him.

We need such faith in Christ’s ability! We need to be able to say . . .

“Christ, you can heal my pain.”

“Christ, you can forgive my sin, no matter how great.”

“Christ, you can comfort me in my depression.”

“Christ, you can bring my loved ones to a saving knowledge of you.”

“Christ, you can do all things because you are the master of all.”

Now, if we know Christ can do these things, do we know if he desires to do these things? He’s able, but is he willing?

Will granting your request bring the greatest glory to him? Does granting your request agree with the Word of God? Will you serve God through your request? If so, know that Christ is willing.

Call out to him with your need and he will answer. His answer may not come when you expect it or how you expect it, but it will come. And the answer will be exactly what you need. Come to him in humility and faith, and see what he can and will do.