Divine healing does not always happen in an instant. The nature of some healing as progressive is noted in the words, “as they went, they were cleansed.”
Not all healing is at the moment of prayer. Instant healings are often expected, but this illustrates the healing in process over a period of time following prayer, and in obedience to Jesus’ command, “Go … to the priests.” As they went in obedience, they were healed. When healing is not instantaneous, we should not doubt, but find a possible path of obedience.
In another case of delayed healing (Mark 8:22–25), Jesus anoints and prays for a blind man twice before his healing is perfect. No explanation is given for the delay. However, we could draw from the example that if healing does not happen at once, keep asking, praying for faith, and drawing closer to the Lord. In the midst of whatever physical affliction we may face, we must learn from these examples by kneeling in prayer, standing in faith, and walking in obedience.
