Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today- February 17, 2014
He [Jesus] fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” Matthew 26:39
The cross of Jesus Christ was a decree of God. It was the Lord’s sovereign will for Jesus to die for our sins and forgive all who believe. Yes, even Christ in His last hours struggled with the intensity of His suffering. Yet in humble prayer He cried out, “Not my will, but Your will be done.” There are times, events and people that were prepared beforehand by the triune God. Nothing stops their influence for they are from the Lord, for the Lord. God’s will, will reign.
Furthermore, the Lord uses sinful men and women to carry out His righteous outcomes. What some meant for evil, our Savior Jesus uses for good. Abandoned children are found and adopted by a loving Christian family. Released prisoners are trained and given a second chance to work. Heroism rises from the ashes of a terrorist attack, as individuals unselfishly serve the injured, the unconscious, and the dead. God is not finished with pain until something comes out of the hurt.
“This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us” (1 John 5:14).
Yes, we are wise to bend our wills to God’s will. We can make a request, but we trust He will do what’s best. For example, we can ask for physical healing on earth, but God’s best may be ultimate healing for eternity in heaven. We can ask for our heart’s desire, but God’s best may be to change the desires of our heart. We can ask for favor with the student body, but God’s best may be only a few who follow. Thus, we can ask anything, according to His will in Christ Jesus.
Therefore, surrender to the sovereign will of the Lord for your life. If it is to suffer, then do good while you suffer. If it is to financially prosper, then be aggressively generous with your wealth. If it is to live with less, then learn contentment with what you have and not obsess over what you don’t have. If it is to struggle in a family relationship, then model the gospel with your love. If it is joy and peace or sadness and fear, thank God in (not for) all kinds of circumstances. God’s sovereign will is a decree that will happen, regardless. His will is what’s best for all parties.
“The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever he will” (Proverbs 21:1, ESV).
Prayer: Heavenly Father I surrender to Your sovereign will, so I will follow wherever you lead.
Related Readings: Daniel 4:35; Ephesians 1:11; 1 Thessalonians 5:18; 1 Peter 3:17; 1 John 2:17
Post/Tweet today: We are wise to bend our wills to God’s will. We can make a request, but we trust He will do what’s best. #God’swill
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His will be done.
His will be done.
Thank you for allowing Him to use you in feeding my soul.
Thought you would like this.
“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” – Romans 12:2
Thank you. May God bless you.
It is foolish to swim against the stream
Let it go
Have faith in God
He will take you where you need to be
His will , not ours