Three of the Gospels (Matthew 8:1-4, Mark 1:40-45, and Luke 5:12-14) record an exchange between Jesus and a leper. Leprosy was a terrible disease that would attack the body leading to visible lesions on the skin of its victims. Anyone pronounced a leper would be removed from society and forced to live as an outcast. Left untreated, leprosy could deform the body as its natural defenses attempted to fight the disease.

Like anyone suffering under demonic oppression, this leper wanted to be healed, or made clean. Religious tradition had made him unsure as to exactly what God’s will was concerning healing. He knew God could heal. What he did not know was if that was His will. The leper addressed Jesus as Lord, and said, “If you will, you can make me clean.”

And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.  Matthew 8:3 <KJV>

Jesus instructed the man to show himself to the priest and fulfill the requirements under the Law. Once this was completed, he would be welcomed back into the community.

“Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.”

The man could not receive his miracle without overcoming the obstacle of doubting God’s will. As an analogy, imagine that you have money deposited in the bank in your name. But you were unsure if they would let you withdraw it. That uncertainty may paralyze you to the point of not even trying. Fear may keep you from even reading the bank’s rules, or learning how the withdrawal process even works. And although that money belongs to you, you never benefit from a single penny because of doubt and unbelief.

That may sound extreme, or even ridiculous, but what has religion done to many of God’s promises? Tradition says God does not heal. Experience seems to indicate that most religious folks are no more healthier than nonbelievers. Some, like this leper, will even add an “if it be Thy will” to their prayers as if they are afraid they might offend God for even asking. And then when nothing happens, they wonder why it seemingly is never God’s will.

Faith is built by knowing God’s Word. God’s Word is His will. If Jesus says “I am willing”, there is no reason to doubt that he wants you healthy, whole, and happy. Take that Word and place it in your heart and mind until you have complete confidence that it is always God’s will for you to be well.

The leper confessed that Jesus could heal him, if that was his will. He had established his faith that God was capable. There are some today that have not even made it that far. They confess that healing is not for today. Or, now that we have doctors and hospitals, nobody needs divine healing. Tell that to the person who has the brain tumor, or the child suffering with leukemia. In an age when access to healthcare is shrinking, the world needs God’s healing power even more today than ever before. And before anyone suggests otherwise, God is not against doctors and hospitals. They are fighting against the same enemy.

God is still in the miracle business. Salvation is a miracle, wiping away the stain of sin and recreating a new heart in a Believer is the greatest miracle ever. And this miracle happens by the thousands every day around the world. The miraculous is all around to those that believe and expect. But if you don’t expect any miracles, its pretty certain that you will receive what you believe. Because what you sow, you reap. What you believe, you receive.

If you are a Believer, you are the Body of Christ, and your body is the Temple of the Holy Spirit. Do you really think God, who in Heaven prepares mansions for His children, and builds His city out of gold and precious stones, wants to live in a broken down shack? Do you think Jesus tolerates even a hangnail in his Body? Like any father, your Heavenly Father wants the very best for His children. God wants you to glorify Him in your body and serve Him, and that becomes much more difficult when you can’t get out of bed. God sent His Word to HEAL YOU. By Jesus stripes, you were HEALED AND MADE WHOLE. But God has given you the choice of what to say, believe, and receive. (Deuteronomy 6:5, 30:11-20, Psalm 103:1-5, 107:17-22, Isaiah 53:4-5, Matthew 8:17, 21:20-22, 22:34-40, Mark 11:23-25, John 14:2-3, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, 12:27, 1 Peter 2:24, Revelation 21:19-27)

Stir up the Holy Spirit inside you. Get excited about God’s promises and make them real to you. Study God’s Word, confess it, and firmly plant God’s incorruptible seed in your spirit. God’s Word is Truth, and it will make you free! (Joshua 1:7-9, Psalm 1:2-3, John 8:31-32, Romans 10:5-13, 2 Timothy 1:1-7, 1 Peter 1:22-25)

Several Bibles translate Matthew 8:3 with Jesus saying, “I am willing.” I keep those words in my heart, and remind myself daily of this Truth. And whenever Satan attempts to tell me that God will not, or cannot do something, I hear Jesus answer,

I Am Willing.

Faith Building Exercise

Say these out loud every day until you believe them in your spirit. They will build your faith. Look up these verses and read them as they appear in your Bible. You can always trust God’s Word because He cannot lie.

God’s Word is in my mouth and in my heart and I obey it. God set before me life and death, blessings and curses. I choose The Blessing. I choose LIFE! I love God, listen to His voice, and hold fast to Him. For the Lord is my life and He will give me many good years.
(Deuteronomy 30:11-20)

I delight in God’s Word and meditate on it day and night. I am like a tree planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit every season. My leaves never wither and I prosper in all I do.
(Psalm 1:2-3)

I praise the holy name of God with all my heart. I Bless the Lord and never forget all the glorious things he does for me. He forgives all my sins. He heals me and saves me. He surrounds me with love, kindness, and mercy. He fills my life with good things. He renews my youth like an eagle.
(Psalm 103:1-5)

God anointed Jesus with the Holy Spirit and with power. He went about doing good and curing all who were under the tyranny of the devil. Because God was with Him, the dumb spoke, the maimed were made whole, the lame walked, and the blind could see. Jesus never changes. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
(Matthew 4:23-24, 15:30-31, Luke 7:21-22, Acts 10:37-38, Hebrews 13:8)

Jesus will do whatever I ask in his name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. I may ask for anything in the name of Jesus, and he will do it.
(John 14:12-14)

Beloved, I wish above all things that you prosper and be in health, even as your soul prospers.
(3 John 1:2)

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