“your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:10b NIV)
Last week, I looked at Matt. 6:10a, which says, “your kingdom come.” Today’s Scripture is the second part of that verse, Matt. 6:10b.
When I was writing “Our Father: A Personal Journey of Discovery into the Lord’s Prayer,” this petition in the prayer was the topic of the fourth chapter in the book. However, it was actually the first chapter that I wrote.
My heavenly Father had a lot to teach me before I was able to fulfill His will for the next stage of my own life. His will was that I write a book about my life and how He ministered to me through the Lord’s Prayer. Much of that teaching came through my research into today’s Scripture.
I felt ill-equipped for the task – to put it mildly. My first response to the Lord’s assignment of writing a book, was to give Him my list of people that I felt would be better candidates for the job than me.
The first thing I needed to learn was God’s definition of humility, as shown to us through Jesus’ example in Philippians 2:8 (NIV). That Scripture says, “And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!”
That message inspired me. Compared to all that Jesus did in obedience to His Father, God was asking something very small of me. Still, obedience didn’t come easy to me at first. I had some demeaning things said to me through the years, which I accepted as truth, and allowed them to shape my perception of myself.
As I considered today’s Scripture, and wanted to do whatever God’s will was for me, my prayer became, “Lord, I’m willing to do whatever You ask, but I can’t do it without Your help.”
In response to my prayer, God began a process of restoration in my life, starting with showing me what He said about me in His Word. His words about me differ greatly from the words that others had spoken.
Just a few things that He showed me are; I can do all things because He gives me strength (Phil. 4:13), at Creation, He said I was very good (Gen. 1:31), He plans for me are filled with hope and a good future (Jer. 29:11) and no matter how bad I feel about myself, He can accomplish extraordinary things as He works in and through me (Eph. 3:20-21) and there is a place for me in His family, and He gives spiritual gifts to all of His children – including me (1 Cor. 12:4-11). His Word says many things about His love for us, but these are just a few examples.
We all make mistakes and need His forgiveness, but through repentance we can have a new beginning. As well as His forgiveness, we need to be willing to forgive ourselves so that we are not held back by things we’ve done wrong in the past. Romans 8:1-2 says, “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.” God’s Spirit shows us things that we do wrong sometimes, but it is never for the purpose of tearing us down. He desires for us to be built up and free to live the life He has planned for us.
As we prepare to observe Good Friday tomorrow, let’s look to Jesus’ example of obedience to His Father as told to us in Luke 22:41-42, “ He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.”
God is showing me step by step, which way He wants me to go, and He is enabling me. He wants to do the same for you. Just trust Him. 1 Thess. 5:24 reminds us, “The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.”
This is my story of how God has divinely enabled me to accomplish His will for my life. He invites you to step out in faith as you ask Him “What would you have me do, Father?” You will be amazed at the extraordinary things that He enables you to do in His name, and for His glory.
My prayer is, “Heavenly Father, I want to honor and serve You. I am willing to follow wherever You lead me. I am weak and cannot do it without Your help. Not my will, but Yours be done. In Jesus’ Name, AMEN.
