How long had he known of the one who could cure the sick, the only one who had offered hope in his bleak state?

Had he climbed the mountain and heard him preach that message of love and peace? Had he devised a plan to get close to him or on the spur of the moment did he make his decision to approach him?

There are many parts of his story that we’ll never know. However, we do know is that he made his way through the thick crowd, fell at the feet of the Messiah, and declared, “If you are willing, you can make me clean” (Matthew 8:1-3).

He must have already believed that Jesus had the power, but would the miracle worker risk becoming unclean himself by touching someone stricken with leprosy?

As the Son of God always does he broke the status quo and surprised the masses. His answer was full of compassion and to the point, “I am willing” and then he reached out and changed the man’s life.

We’re not that different from the leper, are we? We know how it feels to be lonely. We’ve known moments when we’ve felt unwanted. We have troubles that if given the chance could isolate and ruin us.

What’s keeping us from accepting the truth?

Are you stressed and exhausted? Jesus is willing to give you peace (Philippians 4:7).

Are you weak and addicted? He is willing to give you strength and be your chain-breaker (Ephesians 1:19).

Are you drowning in a sea of impossible odds? He is willing to give you hope (1 Peter 1:3).

Have you been broken and abused? He is willing to be your Healer (Acts 10:38).

Are you lost in a dark and lonely world? He is willing to be your Savior (John 14:6).

The same one who touched the untouchable, loved the unlovable, and gave worth to the unworthy is willing to reach out and change your life, too. Make your way through the crowd of worries, details, and decisions and fall at the feet of Jesus.

Don’t be surprised when he changes your life. He’s willing.

–Paula Harrington