Sunday, May 16, 2010

Not My Will

When it comes to thinking about doing God's will please tell me I'm not the only one who finds that dread tends to be the prevalent feeling that surfaces first. I guess its understandable in one way as at times it has cost me a lot to follow Him. Then on the other hand its hard to remember a time that it wasn't the very best thing for me making me so glad I followed. I'm not saying that I have seen the blessing in everything He has asked me to do or not do. However, I have lived long enough to know that I can trust that He is all about my best. This made most blatantly obvious when Jesus, the very Son of God, was sacrificed in my place.

So why the dread? Jesus isn't asking us to do anything He didn't do for us. Nor does He expect us to walk that road alone like He did. He denied Himself and to follow Him means we must too. Ouch! This requires throwing off everything that hinders our walk with Him, getting rid of entangling sin, which all necessitate perseverance. Perseverance, of course, can't happen until our focus is off ourselves and fixed on Him. Jesus had His eyes fixed on the joy ahead...which is joy unspeakable.

Perhaps the question is - am I willing to settle for something infinitely less than what is ahead? Perhaps the greater question is - how can anything be worth giving up the joy of living each day in sweet communion with God Himself?


Not My Will

"Not my will but Yours be done"
May come easy to a few and some

Perhaps it means to forge ahead
When I'd rather sit and rest instead
Perhaps it means to deny myself
When I'd rather spend or keep my wealth

Perhaps it means to lay pleasures down
Instead of overlooking an eternal crown
Perhaps it means to enter a place I fear
Instead of ignoring the Voice I hear

"Not my will but Yours be done"
Brings joy as my will is overcome

5-9-10

Luke 22:41-42
He withdrew about a stones throw beyond them, knelt and prayed, "Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will but Yours be done"

Hebrews 12:1-2
Therefore since we are surrounded by such a great crowd of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.