I have lost count of the numerous times that I have been ill, and God has healed me, so I understand where the Psalmist is coming from when he writes, “He heals all my diseases” (Psalm 103:3).

Scripture is filled with examples of illnesses God has healed. Leprosy, blindness, paralysis, uncontrolled bleeding, fever, a crippled hand, and many more. Luke writes, “As the sun went down that evening, people throughout the village brought sick family members to Jesus. No matter what their diseases were, the touch of his hand healed everyone” (4:40, NLT).

One healing that has always stood out to me is the healing of the man with leprosy. In Bible times, anyone who had leprosy automatically became an outcast—an outcast is a person who has been rejected by society or a social group. People with leprosy became outcasts because the disease was highly contagious and there was no cure. Therefore, when this man approached Jesus for healing, you would think that Jesus would have said something like ‘six feet apart please’ for precaution. But what Jesus did was unexpected and remarkable, He reached out and touched the leprous man. Matthew explains, “Suddenly, a man with leprosy approached him and knelt before him. “Lord,” the man said, “if you are willing, you can heal me and make me clean. Jesus reached out and touched him. “I am willing,” he said. “Be healed!” And instantly the leprosy disappeared” (Matt 8:2-3).

What a joy the leper must have felt when Jesus touched him, and his leprosy disappeared! His ostracism was over. He could participate in life once again. He had a new chance to be happy, healthy, successful, and so on. His healing changed his life. Oh, what a difference God’s healing power makes!