"The cause why we are so troubled with these sins is because of our ignorance of love. To this knowledge we are most blind, for some of us believe that God is all power and able to do all and that He is all wisdom and knows how to do all. But that He is all love and will do all, there we stop. This ignorance is that which most hinders God's lovers. There persists a fear that hinders us because of paying attention to ourselves and the sins we have done in the past. We do not know how to despise the sin of self-hatred, as we do other sins which we recognize." ~Julian of Norwich
This quote is still stirring in my heart and has been for the past month or so. I guess that's because, if I'm really honest, I'm one of those she is talking about. I believe that God is able to do all things, but do I really believe that he will? It reminds me of the leper who came to Jesus in Luke 5:12-13: "If you are willing, you can make me clean." I feel that way a lot. I know God can, but will he?
God answers that question for the leper, and all the rest of us doubters, when he says, "I am willing. Be clean!" God is always willing. Maybe not always willing to give us exactly what we want, but always willing to touch us in the way we most deeply need to be touched. He loves us too much not to.
I'm not sure what life is like for you and yours these days (In fact, I would love to hear about it). I'm not sure what you are carrying around within you. I'm not sure what kind of burdens are weighing you down. I'm not sure what prayers you have been praying, knowing that God can, but not really believing that he will. But I want to encourage you to know that HE WILL. Even today, HE WILL touch you in the way you most deeply need to be touched.
Hear his words over you today: "I am willing. Be clean!"
