“If You Will, You Can”

“When he came down from the mountain, great crowds followed him. And behold, a leper came to him and knelt before him, saying, ‘Lord, if you will, you can make me clean.^‘ And Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, ‘I will; be clean.’ And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. And Jesus said to him, ‘See that you say nothing to anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a proof to them.'” Matthew 8:1-4

“Is anything too hard for the Lord?” Genesis 18:14

“I know that you can do all things,
    and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.” Job 42:2

The leper’s was in an impossible situation, humanly speaking. He was riddled with an incurable disease that brought ridicule and fear, and ostracized him from society. But he knew this Jesus was different. He had a compassion that crossed human boundaries, and an authority over sicknesses and demons that was other-worldly, and irresistibly inviting. The leper approached with reverence and startling, bold confidence, and found his Healer absolutely willing. (Matthew 4:23-24; 7:28-29)

If You Will, You Can. What a potent combination of belief. This helpless man knew Jesus could help. Absolutely He was able. But knowing himself to have nothing to contribute, and no right to claim, he could appeal only to Jesus’s merciful will.

Isn’t this true for us? We are born helpless, thoroughly diseased by sin and without hope. But God, who looks on us in undeserved but unabashed love, sets out to save us and heal our souls. He who was rejected by men accepts sinners by grace who approach in humble faith. (Isaiah 53:5-6; Romans 3:23-25; 6:23; Ephesians 2:1-9)

When we pray, would we first acknowledge what God can do? His attributes are limitless and His power infinite. By praising Him we are reminded that He can do all things and does all things well. This heightens our worship and enlarges our asking. Then we seek His will, surrender ourselves wholly in order to know it, and submit to it for full realization of His purposes. When our desire is the combination of His ‘can’ and ‘will,’ He is most glorified. (Matthew 6:10; Mark 7:37; Romans 12:1-2)

Have we gotten into a habit of dictating to God how we want Him to behave? Of telling Him what we need and when and how, and of brusque entitlement to all we want? Would we change our mindset by focusing on Him instead of us? How might we learn to approach Him humbly, acknowledge and fully confess our helplessness and need? What needs to change in our penchant to control for us to seek only to magnify God’s ability and grace? By His transforming power, we can begin to approach Him differently, but we must be willing.

Are there areas we will not let the Lord expose and touch and heal? What fear or pride or hard stubbornness holds us back? When will we bring these to the cross for His cleansing, freeing, healing? Jesus lovingly died for our sins and our resistance. When will we kneel to be made clean?

Father, align my cannots with Your cans, and teach me Your will so I seek Your best and glory in all my desire.