“Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well.” Luke 17:19

Jesus, on His way to Jerusalem, passed between Samaria—the land of the socially outcast—and Galilee, His very own people. Along the way, He encountered ten lepers.

They stood at a distance and cried out for mercy and healing. Jesus told them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” At that moment, they still carried the marks of leprosy. Yet, as they moved in obedience, they were cleansed on the way.

Out of the ten, only one returned. When he realized he was healed, he came back praising God, fell at Jesus’ feet, and gave thanks. He was a Samaritan—a foreigner, an enemy of the Jews—yet he was the one who returned with a heart of gratitude. Jesus asked, “Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine?” Then He said to the one, “Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well.”

This moment was not only about physical healing but about a deeper truth—faith. Faith is the only currency accepted in heaven. The Bible says, “Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1). The Word of God encourages us to walk in faith and not by sight.

The lepers had to move in faith even before they received their healing. Standing still in doubt would not have helped, but stepping forward in obedience brought their miracle. Most of the time, trusting people, places, or things will surely fail and disappoint us—but faith in Jesus Christ does the impossible, receives the unreachable, and accomplishes the undoable.

Just as the lepers had to move forward in obedience, we too are called to step out in faith in our own lives. Take that step of faith in your job. Take that step of faith in your decisions. When you do, you surrender the driver’s seat and allow Jesus Christ to take control of your situation and circumstances. When Jesus drives, the destination is certain—victory. He knows the road, the bumps along the way, and when to reroute. In the rain or the sunshine, you can rest in peace, for the Prince of Peace is right beside you.

Above all, the Bible encourages us to give thanks in all circumstances—not only in healing, not only in breakthrough, but also in seasons of despair and longing. Gratitude is a posture of the heart that pleases God. When you return to the Father with a grateful heart, you access the source of blessing itself. God delights in you when you acknowledge His sovereignty.

Even animals show gratitude—how much more should we, created in God’s image, cultivate this virtue that pleases Him.

Faith brings breakthrough, but gratitude makes you complete.

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for reminding me that faith brings healing, but gratitude brings wholeness. Help me to take bold steps of faith in every area of my life, trusting that You know the way. Teach me to live with gratitude in all circumstances, so that my life may reflect Your goodness and bring glory to Your name.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.