‘Ten men who had a skin disease…called to him, “Jesus! Master! Have mercy on us!” When Jesus saw the men, he said, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” As the ten men were going, they were healed. When one of them saw that he was healed, he went back to Jesus, praising God in a loud voice… Jesus said, “Weren’t ten men healed? Where are the other nine?...Then Jesus said to him, “Stand up and go on your way. You were healed because you believed”’ (v.12-19 NCV). This story teaches us these three things: 1) Sometimes the answer comes quickly; other times it comes slowly, step-by-step. The Bible says, ‘As the ten men were going, they were healed.’ We don’t know which step will bring the answer, so we must keep walking in faith. Mosaic law said that before someone with leprosy could be welcomed back into society, the priest had to pronounce them ‘clean’. But Jesus saw the change in these men before it even took place; that’s because He has the power to make it happen. 2) We mustn’t give up because others reject us. The men were social outcasts, and they expected Jesus to treat them like everyone else did. But when you draw close to God, He’ll draw close to you (see James 4:8). Are you struggling with an issue that has caused others to shun you or cast you aside? Jesus won’t do that. He said, ‘Whoever comes to me I will never drive away’ (John 6:37 NIV). 3) Always remember to thank and praise God. Only one of the ten men passed the gratitude test. When we realise how much God appreciates our thanks, we’ll never let a day go by without praising and worshipping Him.

What Now?

Set an hourly reminder on your phone to thank God for something He’s done for you recently. Try to thank Him for something different each time.