Yielding My Will

As I was reading this whole story, I was amazed at Jesus’ desire to fulfil the will of God. It wasn’t a matter of argument for Him. He’d made up His mind to do the will of God. He wasn’t afraid of the consequences of His obedience, because He knew whom He was obeying. In John 6:38 He said, ‘For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of Him who sent me’. All through His life, Jesus made doing God’s will His priority.

As I think about the New Year, I know many have been setting goals, resolutions and plans for the New Year. It’s amazing how many things I can think of that I would like to accomplish by the end of 2016. I’m sure we have many ideas and plans that we really want to see come to pass. The most important question, therefore, is not what to do, but what are the priorities.

Jesus had priorities too. There were so many things He could have done while here on earth, so many places He could have visited. In fact, on one occasion, He went into the boat and suddenly they reached their destination (John 6: 21).

How easy it would have been for the Son of God to do so much. Yet He was focussed so much on doing His Father’s will that nothing else mattered. He did everything the Father asked Him to do.

What are your priorities in setting your goals? What is the most important thing? I believe that the will of God for us is the most important thing. Seeking His will for our lives sets us in a place of safety.

Because we’re walking in a place of obedience then everything else will fall into place. A servant of God once told me that being in the will of God is like the first button on a shirt, if you get the first one right, then the rest will fall into place! ‘But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you’ (Matthew 6:33).

I believe that, as we yield our will and plans to Him, He will direct us in the way we should go. Though we have our free will to chose, He makes clear that His desire for us is to seek Him first, and above all else. But the choice lies with us. Are you willing to let His will be done in your life?

‘The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way’ (Psalm 37:23). ‘Many are the plans in a person’s heart but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails' (Proverbs 19:21).

It's important to plan and look forward, but, as we submit our plans to God and yield our will to Him, then we can be confident. We know the One who we submit to not only wants the best for us, but is also the Alpha and Omega, and sees the whole picture. He’s faithful and trustworthy and knows what’s ahead. ‘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’ (Jeremiah 29:11).

Prayer: Father, as we continue in the New Year, I thank You that I have nothing to worry about, because You’re with me. You have the plans for me which are for my own good. Help me to be willing to yield my will and plans to You. Direct my steps and show me the way I should go, for I trust in You. I pray for Your guidance and Your leading in all things. Amen.