For us to do God’s will adequately, we must firstly sacrifice our own will for God’s will, in pursuit of the perfect will of God for our lives. It literally means that we have to forgo our own agendas and take on God’s burden. Luke 22:42, “He said, “Father, if it’s your will, take this cup of suffering away from me. However, not my will but your will must be done”. When we take on God’s burden by submitting our will for His will, we allow the grace of God through the Holy Spirit, to guide and substitute our will in alignment with God will for our lives.
“Father! Not my will, but Yours be done” is more than words alone; it is a lifestyle of trust, obedience, and faith. When the Believer in Christ Jesus surrenders to God and embraces victory through the finished works of Jesus, they will find peace in uncertainty, courage in the midst of fear, strength in trials, joy despite sorrow, and purpose in every step of their journey. When we surrender to God’s will rather than ours, we gain the fullness of God’s love, power and the fulfillment of His perfect plan for us. 1 Thessalonians 4:3 , “For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality”.
The phrase “Not My Will, But Yours Be Done” entails the following;
1. Trust in God (Faith).
2. Surrender to God
3. Obedience to God.
4. Patience with God.
5. Reverence of God.
6. Worship God
7. Consecration to God.
It is crucial that we vividly understand that for us to surrender to God’s will rather than ours, we must be compliant with God’s decisions, plans and strategies, even when they are not what we want or expect. 1 Thessalonians 5:18, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” . When we submit to the will of God rather than our will, it demonstrates clearly that we have matured in the Lord, and are disciples of Jesus Christ. John 4:34,“My food,” said Jesus, “is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work“.
What makes us accept the will of God over our own will, boils down to this major understanding on our part; we walk in the consciousness and with the understanding that God’s will is pure, good, righteous, just, true, honest, and it is certainly highly rewarding. Matthew 6:10, “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven”.
Examples of People Who surrendered to God’s Will
Psalm 40:8, “I desire to do your will, my God; your law is within my heart.”
1. Jesus Christ, when He asked the Father to take the Cup of Suffering away from Him. Luke 22:42b, “However, not my will but your will must be done”.
2. David, when he enquired from the Lord about pursuing the Amalekites. 1 Samuel 30:1-8.
3. Paul obeyed the Holy Spirit, despite knowing that he would face imprisonment in Rome. Acts 21:10-14.
4. Peter, when he cast the net in the river, just as Jesus told him to. Luke 5:5, “And Simon answering said unto Him, “Master, we have toiled all night and have taken nothing. Nevertheless, at Thy word I will let down the net.”
Seven Reasons Why Trust God’s Will
1. God wants the best for us: 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”.
2. God is not a liar: Numbers 23:19, “God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?
3. God’s timing is impeccable and perfect: Ecclesiastes 3:1, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens”.
2 Samuel 22:31, “As for God, his way is perfect: The LORD’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him”.
4. Nothing is impossible with God: Matthew 19:26, “Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
5. No time limit with God: 2 Peter 3:8, “But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day”.
6. God commands us to wait for Him: Psalm 27:14, “Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD”.
7. God is working all things for our good: Romans 8:28, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose”.
God bless you 