“I am learning that praying for God’s will is harder than it seems.
When God’s will is asked for in hopes of it agreeing with a personal desire,
it is not asking for God’s will at all.
It takes complete surrender and self sacrifice.”

~  by Jayson VS  ~ Loni's son @ Writing Canvas

This quote reminds me of the words of another young man, missionary to Ecuador, Jim Elliott, who wrote, "He is no fool, who gives that which he cannot keep, to gain that which he cannot lose."

Elliott prayed for God's will in his life, and then went to a very dangerous area of South America to tell the native people there about Christ.  He was killed in that effort, but the ensuing notoriety spurred an ongoing effort that eventually led to the conversion of many of that tribe.

And yet, it is exactly that kind of thing that causes many to be afraid to truly pray for God's will in their lives.  Who knows what that could turn out to be?

Jayson is exactly correct when he says it involves self-sacrifice.  But we are led by Jesus, who gave the ultimate example when He prayed, "Not my will but thy will be done."  He told his disciples clearly that no one could take His life away from Him, but that He was laying it down voluntarily for their sake, and in obedience to His Father.

Perhaps we forget that Jesus also assured us that just as the Father loved Him, Jesus loves us.  We do not have to fear His will.  This does not mean, of course, that it will not take courage to actually follow His will for our lives.  It will.  It does.  And it should.

King David, when offered a free piece of land for a place of sacrifice to God, declined the offer and said he would not offer God that which cost him nothing.

Our own will is precious to us.  We want what we want.  And yet, it is only when we truly lay it down before the Lord that we find what our heart most needs.  Peace.

A remarkable young man has reminded us of an old, but very relevant, truth.