In Luke 5:12-13, this is what I read...
While Jesus was in one of the towns, a man came along who was covered with leporsy. When he saw Jesus, he fell with his face to the ground and begged him, "Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean." Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. "I am willing," he said. "Be clean!" And immediately the leprosy left him.
I thought about the man's statement...
"Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean."
The questions wasn't IF He could heal Him... but was He willing?? He knew that Jesus COULD heal him. He knew He was ABLE. The question was.... "you are willing". We were asked in our study to complete the following sentence...
Lord, if You are willing, you can ____________________________.
I came up with many things that could go into the blank space. I could have filled up the whole page. I know that my Lord is able to do all things... even the things that seem impossible. Nothing is too hard for Him. It really all boils down to... "are you willing?" So then I was pressed to think about what would influence His willingness. Will it serve His purpose? Will it bring the biggest glory to Him? Will it grow me for future Kingdom work? Will it fit into His perfect plan set into place before the foundation of the world? His will.
Unfortunately... God didn't just leave my thoughts there. He turned them around on me to say...
"Lynn, if you are willing, you can___________________________.
I can be the wife that God wants me to be... IF I am willing.
I can be the mother that God wants me to be... IF I am willing.
I can make a difference on my street... IF I am willing.
I can put my husbands needs before my own... IF I am willing.
I can love difficult people... IF I am willing.
I can minister to others... IF I am willing.
I can love unconditionally... IF I am willing.
His list just kept on going too. The same power that raised Jesus from the dead... is the power that enables me to do God's will. (Ephesians 1:18-20) He will give me the power to do what He wants me to do... through His Holy Spirit... IF I am willing. So there the question remains.... Am I willing?? Oh... I want to be willing.
I know that God could fix our financial problems.... if He is willing. If it will accomplish His eternal purpose.
I know that God could turn my angry teenager into a loving healthy young lady... if He is willing. If it will serve His eternal purpose in her life and those around her.
I know that God could give my friends the baby that they long for... if He is willing. If it will serve His eternal purpose.
I know that God could have healed my friends mother of cancer... if He had been willing. If healing her here would have served His greater purpose than taking her home.
I know that I can do the things that God has planned for me... if I am willing. Oh... again, I want to be willing.
1Peter 3:15
But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared in give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.
8 comments:
thanks Lynn.
"If I am willing" yep that's right, I've got to be in order for God to change me.
Love ya and yes I've done my homework even while in Atlanta.
Lynn
I agree with you...If I am willing..I do want to be willing to go for Him and to meet Him. Oh and I love how he turns our thoughts back into our lives....
Many Blessings
Tessa
Wow that was amazing....
There are so many things I pray for Him to do or show me...but I need to stop and ask If I am willing and ready if He does it....
Stuff to think about!
Thanks again!
Oh Lynn-this is a really good post. Thank you. I plan to apply thse statements to myweek-daily!
In response to your comment on my post-don't dwell on the failure but instead try to bemore focus for the next time He nudges you to do something for Him. I knowyour plight beng in healthcare-to speak of Him or not based on the instiutions guidelines. Go with God. Anticipate that next moment!! Then you will experience that "glorious inexpressible joy" Peter talked about in 1Peter 1:8&9.
Again, thank you for this post. Love it!
In His Graces~Pamela
This is so good, Lynn. I love how you take it one step further--look at how you can grow through this Word that He spoke to you. don't you love that? How those words are alive and speak differently to us each we read them?
Thanks for making me look in tonight.
I love your words and your heart in this post, Lynn.
"If" is a HUGE word, isn't it?
Like you, I SO want to be willing......
Have a blessed day, friend!
In Christ,
Amy:)
Wonderful Post!
I hate to be "real" here. . .
(no, not really) so here goes. . .
There are too many things that I have just not been willing to do. He is showing me this more and more these days.
My heart wants to be willing but my flesh has a mind of its own. My prayer is that I will learn to lead my heart instead of my flesh leading me. Amen?!
Love you sister, I am really enjoying our new bible study and have also enjoyed the growth spurt we have experienced. God is GOOD!!!
May He bless it and you for being willing to do it His way.
Lynn,
Great words and love the fact you mentioned our willingness as well. That is so true. Praying He will increase my willingness today. Thanks for sharing, JIll
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