DAILY ENCOUNTER

GOD WANTS YOU HEALED

"And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst 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 8:2-3

Glory to God! A lot of people don't have a problem believing in the power of God to save and to deliver; what they struggle with is the willingness of God to come through for them. Not because God isn't gracious; they just don't consider themselves worthy of God's graciousness. One of the greatest things that can happen to anyone is the revelation that God wants people in good health and sound minds. It is never the desire of God to see mankind plagued with sicknesses and diseases; God takes no pleasure in seeing people suffer from incurable diseases. Some may think that if God is such a good God, why were some people born with diseases and critical medical conditions? Why couldn't He make sure no one falls sick? Why this and why that? This is it; many of the sicknesses and diseases in the world were never caused by God; some are caused by demon spirits, especially the incurable ones, and this is as a result of the fall of man. While others are cursed by the ignorance and limitations of men. No one knew about the sickle cell issue in the early years when there was no blood and genotype test. Ignorance has kept people in situations never designed for them by God. Every believer must embrace that God desires His children to walk in health and wholeness. Many people know that God has the power to heal, but they still question whether He is willing to heal them. From our today's scripture, the encounter between Jesus and the leper settles this question forever.

The leper did not doubt the ability of Jesus. His uncertainty was about the willingness of Jesus. He said, "Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean." Jesus immediately answered not only with words but also with action. He stretched out His hand, touched the untouchable man, and declared, "I will; be thou clean." In that moment, when the leper's disease disappeared, he was cleansed. Jesus revealed the very heart of God; the Father's desire is to heal and make whole. Throughout Jesus' earthly ministry, He consistently healed the sick, opened blind eyes, cleansed lepers, restored the lame, and delivered those oppressed by the devil. He never turned away anyone who came to Him in faith. Since Jesus is the perfect revelation of the Father (John 14:9), His ministry demonstrates God's unchanging will concerning healing. Healing is available to all men today through the finished work of Christ on the cross and His resurrection to life. For He bore our griefs and carried our sorrows, and by His stripes we are healed (Isaiah 53:4–5; 1 Peter 2:24). Refuse every doubt that suggests God is withholding healing from you. His Word declares His willingness; Jesus demonstrated His willingness. God wants you healed; God wants you whole. Don't settle for anything less. Hallelujah!!!

FURTHER STUDY

Jeremiah 30:17; Acts 10:38; Psalm 103:2–3

REFLECTION QUESTIONS

1. Do I truly believe that God is both able and willing to heal me, or have fear, past experiences, or feelings of unworthiness affected my faith?
2. How can I strengthen my faith in God's promises of healing by consistently meditating on His Word and fixing my eyes on Jesus?

PRAYERS

Father, thank You for revealing Your heart through Jesus Christ. I believe that You are willing and able to heal and make me whole. I reject every lie that says otherwise. I receive healing through the finished work of Christ, and I declare that I will walk in divine health and wholeness in Jesus's name