Not My Will

This is Day 8 of my 40 day Lenten blog.

Often we think God is calling us to something because it is something we want to do. We say that God has put it on our hearts. I'm not denying that it happens that way, that we want to do something BECAUSE God put that thing on our hearts. But often times it is the opposite. God calls us to do something, that we absolutely, positively, do NOT want to do.

This is backed up by numerous biblical examples. Jonah did not want to go to Nineveh. Moses didn't want to go before Pharaoh. Gideon didn't want to lead the army to battle. And Jesus didn't want to go to the cross. In fact, He prayed that God would take the bitter cup of his Passion from Him. But then He continued by saying, "not my will be done, but Yours."

Sure, I'd love to be called to witness to the scuba instructors of Aruba, but that's not really picking up my cross and following Jesus is it? Picking up my cross is something that I'm really not going to like. Picking up my cross is a burden. And it's not only a burden for me, it's a burden for others, most especially my family. Was not Mary burdened by Jesus picking up His cross? "And a sword will pierce through your own soul also."

God does not require me to want to do what He calls me to do. But He does expect me to do it. Only then am I truly saying like Jesus, "not my will be done, but Yours."

Today's prayer: Father help me know Your will. And give me the strength to do it when it is something I don't want to do.

R.C. VanLandingham lives in Florida with his wife and kids. He is the author of several books including the Christian fantasy books Peter Puckett & The Amulet of Eternity, Peter Puckett & the Enchanted Chalice, and Magdalene Hope & the Elves of Evermore.