Sometimes it is so easy for us to get caught up in the world and all it has going on. Especially at the beginning of a new year. Going through Christmas and all of the worldly things that come with it can lead us in a direction away from God. Usually this happens slowly and subtly. It’s not that we are bad people or false believers. Jesus warned us of these things and showed us, through Peter, that we can be drawn away.
Being in a new year and having gone through the Christmas season, one part of scripture has been on my mind a lot.
Luke 22:39-44 NKJV. (39) Coming out, He went to the Mount of Olives, as He was accustomed, and His disciples also followed Him. (40) When He came to the place, He said to them, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation.” (41) And He was withdrawn from them about a stone’s throw, and He knelt down and prayed, (42) saying, “Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.” (43) Then an angel appeared to Him from heaven, strengthening Him. (44) And being in agony, He prayed more earnestly. Then His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.
In this passage, we learn a lot about prayer and doing Gods will. Jesus prayed that if it is possible, He wants His circumstance and what is about to come, to pass from Him. We see that even Jesus would tell the Father his desires. Ultimately he prays that the Father’s will be done.
He yields his desire to be that of God’s. We can tell God our desires, but we must be willing that our desire be conformed to God’s desire. Our will is to be His will. As I have heard others say “Thy will, not my will”. It is a good reminder for me that “any life run on self-will usually does not go well.” I am not any good at trying to run the show myself.
The blessed hope that we have, while on earth, is that we do not have to. Jesus told us in Matt 28:20 “I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” He will never leave us or forsake us. God has given us the simple task of submitting our will to be conformed to His will.
For a long time, this seemed difficult to me until I was taught that it is really a matter of heart. If my heart’s desire is to do His will, then He will help me to do it. God will change my heart if I will pray, humble myself and ask Him to.
Lord, Let Thy will only be done in my life today. Take away the bondage of self, so that I may better do Your will. Change my heart so I may be of service to you, and that those around me may see You in me.
Amen
Author: Buddy Strachan, FCC Board Member and Chaplain
