Are Willing

Many graduation speeches are crafted around the idea of going out into the world and making a difference, but have you considered what keeps someone from making a difference? Making a difference has a lot to do with: desire, hunger, or a willingness to endure through difficulties until the difference happens. 

When we hear devastating news from a doctor about a condition that will take a lot of time, tests, treatments, and talks with God, it has been noted that those with a willingness to “beat this” have tremendously higher odds of survival. 

Whether it’s going out in the world to do something good, or searching the world over for something that brings good to myself, willingness is a word that has significant value because willingness is power. 

The leper who approached Jesus immediately after the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 8:1-4), had been inspired by what Jesus had said when he asked Him, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.” The man knew that it was up to the willingness of Jesus for a change to happen. 

Of course, we read Jesus' words in Matthew 8:3, “I am willing, be clean!” Jesus was willing to make a difference in his life. But Jesus came to earth, in part, to show us what God’s will for our life is all about, and a willingness to trust and follow God’s is at the center. 

From Jesus’ words, “Come, follow me” (Luke 18:22), to “watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Mark 14:38). He guides us to a place where our willingness to remain faithful is the difference. 

Whether we want to learn, to forgive, to reach out, to impact, to share, to grow...all of these take a willingness. Galatians 6:9, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” In other words, “stay willing!” 

When we are willing, we become eager, determined, resilient. Willingness is not just mustering up the courage to face something hard, it's an overarching quality that defines faithfulness. Life presents so many opportunities to ask ourselves, “How willing am I right now?” 

What’s your answer?