I am willing. What comforting words to hear. Whether it’s from a friend we call when our car breaks down late at night, or a big favor we ask of someone and they agree to our request, or hearing those words from a future employer willing to give us a chance, it causes us to breathe a sigh of relief. I am willing to help you. I remember clamoring for last-minute transportation to and from my son’s school when I was stuck at work or had to go in for an early meeting all the way across town. For me to hear someone on the other end of the phone say, without hesitancy, I am willing, just because they care and even though it is an inconvenience to them, is priceless. This type of willingness can’t be bought, it can only be given.
This is how Jesus is. He is willing to come to us in our time of need, regardless of how we got ourselves into our current situation. He opens his arms with a smile. Even better than friends or family or co-workers, Jesus has the power to fix anything. Sometimes he chooses immediate healing and sometimes he takes the time to work with us for a while. But either way, Jesus is always willing. And we have two responses: we can walk away, or we can stay. I think I will stay and see what Jesus is willing to do.
Mark 1:40-45 ~ Cleansing a leper
Then a man with a serious skin disease came to Jesus and, on his knees, begged Him: “If You are willing, You can make me clean.”
Moved with compassion, Jesus reached out His hand and touched him. “I am willing,” He told him. “Be made clean.” Immediately the disease left him, and he was healed. Then He sternly warned him and sent him away at once, telling him, “See that you say nothing to anyone; but go and show yourself to the priest, and offer what Moses prescribed for your cleansing, as a testimony to them.” Yet he went out and began to proclaim it widely and to spread the news, with the result that Jesus could no longer enter a town openly. But He was out in deserted places, and they would come to Him from everywhere.
