I’ll have it “my way.”
I really do prefer things my way. Honestly, I think I am mostly right and my ideas are good, so why not do it my way. Right?
I remember telling a friend -as we discussed a difference in parenting styles. -if I thought the way I did it was wrong, don’t you think I would change?
Then I look at Jesus and see that His way was always in tune with God’s will and suddenly my posture shifts.
It isn’t about what I think is the right or preferred way.
It isn’t what my friends think is the right way to do or be – Nope.
It is about God’s way, God’s will for me.
Living in a Christ like way is living by what God says.
And that is a huge can of worms to open up!
There are so many interpretations, opinions, so many meanings, explanations and rules for what God says, wants, or means.
I can get tangled up in all the discussion and distracted trying to figure out what exactly is right, wrong or God’s will in general.
All this figuring out and “whose side are you on” keeps me from focusing on what is really important.
Rather than have a theological debate about all the details, I wonder if the point is that Jesus knew what God’s will was and the real question in the Garden of Gethsemane was the battle to follow it… Would Jesus surrender and do what He knew was God will for him?
That I can wrap my mind around.
There are times when God’s will is crystal clear:
Love your neighbor: Don’t gossip, judge but offer help to those in need, even if it is uncomfortable.
Love God: Be willing to live in the tension of the mess in this world and trust that God is up to a bigger story- which means resisting the temptation to indulge in some sort of relief chasing endeavor- TV, shopping, workaholism, volunteer-aholism, food-alolism, smother motherhood- pick your favorite way to deaden the pain and discomfort of life.
Love yourself: as God does, so that is a tough one sometimes. But practicing kindness and self compassion, saying what God says about me is a start.
Honestly, I know when I am resisting being obedient to God’s will. When I want to do it my way because it feels easier in the moment, makes more sense or is something I can control. Not doing so in these moments is wrong – plain old sin. I feel it in the pit of my stomach or my heart races knowing this is not the right thing – the Spirit is speaking – warning, reminding and coaxing me sacrifice my will for God’s oh so much better and wiser and Perfect Will.
And maybe that’s the point for us today as we read Jesus’ words, “Not my will, but Your will God.”
Not one of my favorite things to say sometimes. Even when I know in my gut, God’s way is the better one.
But what if we spoke and acted on Jesus words: “Not my will, but Your will God.”
- What if we just focused on that – doing what we know to do and let the rest of the uncertainties go.
- What if we started following God’s will, as we understand it and trusting God to let us know when we need to change course or do something different?
- What if we let go of our way, our will when we know in our hearts it is in opposition to God’s way or will?
How would that change us, shape us and ultimately draw us closer to God.
This was a hard one for me to write today. I had so many different posts started and ultimately decided on this one. I have lots more to say about “the Cup,” the Garden, surrender and sacrifice. But this is where I will leave it today.
I am curious to hear your thoughts about God’s will and how clear it was to Jesus, in contrast to how clear it is to you at times. I wonder if you struggle like I do or if you have found a place of rest in this turmoil. So please share you thoughts and let’s chat.