“I will; be clean.” Mark 1:40-45 (ESV)

Jesus went through Galilee teaching and performing miracles.  He came near a leper who cried out, “If you will, you can make me clean” This man probably knew who Jesus was or he would not have tried to get Jesus’ attention.  Word had traveled fast and the crowds of followers were growing to the point that he began to avoid the towns.

The leper was at the right place at the right time.  Perhaps he also had the right attitude to approach Jesus.  “If you will” is not a statement that reveals a lack of faith.  It reveals that he respected Jesus and that he would not presume upon his grace and mercy.

We would be wise to approach our Lord with the same respect.  Of course, he has the power to heal, but he also has all wisdom.  When we bring our requests before God, we know he can do what we ask.  What we are really praying for is that he is willing to grant our request.

In the leper’s case, we read that Jesus took pity on him and was willing to heal him…he cared about the suffering this man had endured.  In our experience, we know that sometimes Jesus has not been willing to do what we ask.  The more important thing to remember is Jesus still cares for us, even when he does not grant our requests.

During these times, we respect his sovereignty and his all-encompassing wisdom. We do not put our faith in our petitions; we put our faith in Sovereign God. He will do what is best for us in the end, and until then, we maintain our hope in the knowledge that God is always faithful.

For I will proclaim the name of the LORD; ascribe greatness to our God!

“The Rock, his work is perfect, for all his ways are justice.

A God of faithfulness and without iniquity, just and upright is he.

Deuteronomy 32: 3-4