Pray for God's Will

Published 5/22/19

And he withdrew from them about a stone's throw, and knelt down and prayed, saying, "Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done."

Reflect

• How do you stay true to God as He leads you down difficult paths?

• What steps do you take to follow God's will?

• Has there ever been a time in your life when what seemed to be God's will just didn't make sense? What did you do? (Please explain.)

"Not my will, but yours, be done." These are powerful words that Jesus spoke, and they represent one of the hardest prayers.

At times, we may pray earnestly for financial gain, whereas the Lord could be challenging us to simplify our lives. We may plead with God for a marriage partner, while He is encouraging us to wait. We may want to strike back when someone wrongs us, yet the Lord calls us to forgive. Our ways are not God's ways (Isaiah 55:8-9), but we can trust that His ways are best. "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope" (Jeremiah 29:11).

Praying for God's will can test and stretch our faith. Yet as we surrender our desires and trust Him, we will experience God's blessings--even in the middle of uncertainty; even when our circumstances don't make sense. During the tense moments before Christ was arrested and ultimately led to the cross, He committed Himself to God's will. It probably wasn't easy, but He was able to trust enough to say, "Not my will, but yours, be done."

Pray

Lord, Jesus, I desire Your will for my life. Help me to trust You when the path is difficult. Amen.