Nang si Jesus ay nasa isang bayan, nakita siya ng isang lalaking ketongin. Nagpatirapa ito at nakiusap, “Panginoon, kung nais po ninyo, ako’y inyong mapapagaling at magagawang malinis.” Hinawakan siya ni Jesus at sinabi, “Nais kong gumaling ka at luminis!” At noon di’y nawala ang kanyang ketong.

Lucas 5:12–14

“By this time next year, I’ll have a better-paying job at magkaka-kotse na ako! I’m claiming it!”

Isa ka rin ba sa naniniwala na by naming and claiming something, that it will surely happen just because you said the “magic” faith words? While it sounds so positive, this belief can lead to a sense of entitlement. Na para bang may utang na loob ang Diyos sa iyo dahil “minanifest” mo na ang dapat mangyari na pabor sa iyo.

Compare this with how one leper approached Jesus. “… He fell on his face and begged Him, saying, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean” (Luke 5:12b, NASB). Here was a man who had a legitimate need. For how long he had been a leper we don’t know, pero noong unang panahon, having leprosy was more than just dealing with a skin condition. Nakahiwalay ang lepers mula sa community dahil considered silang unclean spiritually.

There was no question in the leper’s mind na kaya siyang pagalingin ni Jesus. He probably has heard about how He has healed the sick. This was the leper’s chance to clear his skin and heal his heart. But even in his desperation, he was careful not to demand. “If You are willing,” ang sabi ng leper. In humility, he acknowledged that it was up to Jesus if He wanted to heal him. The leper begged but did not twist God’s arm.

Jesus honored his request. “And He reached out with His hand and touched him, saying, “I am willing; be cleansed.” And immediately the leprosy left him (Luke 5:13, NASB).

How many prayers have we prayed with words ending with, “If You are willing, Lord?” May we be like the leper who believes in God’s power to act and who can trust Him to do what is best.