Bible reading: Luke 22:42
Saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.”
Everyone has their personal wants, desires or dreams that they want to be fulfilled. This is usually driven by the environment we’ve been exposed to. For example, those who have grown up in impoverished environments usually desire a life of wealth, or those who have felt inadequate by social standards due to a lack of flashy items or exposure may tend to desire those things. All in all, we all have wants and typically strive to achieve them because we believe that attaining those things is best for us and will give us the greatest satisfaction in life. So, what happens when our will or desires for our lives contradict God’s will? That can be quite challenging for us as Christians to come to terms with. How many of us are willing to let go of those desires to fulfil God’s will in our lives because that is what we are called to do as His disciples? Matthew 16:24 ‘Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone wishes to follow Me [as My disciple], he must deny himself [set aside selfish interests], and take up his cross [expressing a willingness to endure whatever may come] and follow Me [believing in Me, conforming to My example in living and, if need be, suffering or perhaps dying because of faith in Me].’
I say this not to discourage you or to dampen your zeal to work hard towards your dreams, but to encourage you to seek God’s will for your life and make that a priority. I know it can be scary, especially when we are not convinced that God has our best interest at heart (for instance, some of us may be worried that a life dedicated to Christ may be full of sacrifice, suffering or sadness). But don’t forget that we have a God that loves us greatly, even more than we love ourselves and He will never give us more than we can handle! (see John 3:16 and 1 Corinthians 10:13) And we should rest in that truth.
Remember there is nothing that God cannot do for His children, and as Jesus said in Matthew 7:9-11, “You parents-if your children ask for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead? 10 Or if they ask for a fish, do you give them a snake? Of course not! 11 So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him.“
Though we will experience trials and tribulations in our Christian walk (which He will give us the grace to endure), we will also experience blessings that far outweigh what we could imagine for ourselves. Even without God, we are guaranteed to face challenges and heartache in life so isn’t it better to live life with God as our rock and companion?
Therefore, I encourage you (and myself) to follow Jesus’ example and place God’s will above our own believing that His will for our lives is better than what we could have ever imagined for ourselves.
Ephesians 3:20 – Never doubt God’s mighty power to work in you and accomplish all this. He will achieve infinitely more than your greatest request, your most unbelievable dream, and exceed your wildest imagination! He will outdo them all, for his miraculous power constantly energizes you. (The passion translation-TPT)
Jeremiah 29:11 – For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (New international version-NIV)
Psalm 37:5 – Give God the right to direct your life, and as you trust him along the way, you’ll find he pulled it off perfectly! (TPT)
1 Corinthians 10:13 – We all experience times of testing, which is normal for every human being. But God will be faithful to you. He will screen and filter the severity, nature, and timing of every test or trial you face so that you can bear it. And each test is an opportunity to trust him more, for along with every trial, God has provided for you a way of escape that will bring you out of it victoriously. (TPT)
Isaiah 41:10 – Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (English Standard version-ESV)
P.S. Life with God is not a scary and depressing journey but an exciting, transformative and liberating one!
