Battle of Wills

Scripture:
Matthew 6:7-15 (NIV)

And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

“This, then, is how you should pray:

“‘Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
    on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
    as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
    but deliver us from the evil one.’

For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.

Devotional:

Today I want to focus on God’s will.  It can be so hard for us to let go.  We want it our way.  Burger King use to advertise that you get it your way.  “Have it your way.”  In a society that is self-seeking and self-serving there is no room for God’s will in our lives.  We say we are Christians.  We claim to be willing to go where God wants us.  We are willing to go to Bible studies and church as long as we are hone in time for kick off.  How many people can you see in church looking at their watch timing the message?  How quickly do you run out the doors so you can eat lunch or watch a race? 

God’s will is not self-seeking.  It is not self-centered.  Instead it points us outward.  Where is your focus?  Is it inward or outward?  When you say God’s will not mine is it genuine or halfhearted?  Do you really want God’s will to be done?  Are you willing to do those things you really wish you could skip?  Are you willing to go to those places you rather not visit?  Not everyone is called to the prisons and hospitals.  Not everyone is called to the ghettos and slums.  We can’t all go to third world countries.  However, if no one is willing to truly put God’s will first then no one will go. 

God’s will is not doing the things you hate.  It isn’t going somewhere you just cannot stand the thought of.  It is however, placing Him before yourself.  It is being open to His guidance and submitting yourself to where He wants you to go.  It is submitting to what He wants you to do.  Usually it will be places and things you are good at and have a passion for.  After all isn’t it God that gave you those passions and desires?

The next time you pray for God’s will to be done pause and reflect on your focus.  Is it inward or outward?  God’s will is all about focusing on Him and placing Him first.  It is being willing to be submissive to what He wants.

God I pray that today Your will be done in my life…