Not My Will

Then He said to them, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch with Me.” He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.” (Matthew 26:38-39)

 

Jesus was not the kind of king, nor was His the kind of kingdom His disciples or Israel expected — nor could they understand the words He spoke or the path He walked. Our Lord came to earth on a mission, and to complete that mission, He was going to have to give His life in the most painful and humiliating way. He was keenly aware that no one on earth would understand, and He would have to resist the temptation to consider anything other than the Father's will — not even His own.

 

There will be times when doing God’s will is very painful, and we may even question why things are so challenging or must be a certain way. No one around us may understand what God is doing in us, and we are left with no common-sense explanation for where we find ourselves. Every man or woman God calls and chooses will experience these times, just as our Savior did; and we must reach the same point of obedience and surrender.

". . . nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will." 

 

May we resist the natural tendency to go our way, leave all, and follow Jesus. Let us step forward and accept the will of the Father, even when it hurts — especially when it hurts. Remember, our Father always knows best.

 

Let's Pray - Dear God, give me the same attitude and courage Jesus had. May I submit myself freely to Your will, especially when it is most difficult. Amen.