Monday's Marriage Moment -- Not My Will

And He was withdrawn from them about a stone’s throw, and He knelt down and prayed, saying, “Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.” Then an angel appeared to Him from heaven, strengthening Him. And being in agony, He prayed more earnestly. Then His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.

Luke 22:41 - 44

I am a woman with a plan. I like organized lists (and checking them off), spreadsheets, and notes. When I wake up in the morning, I review my day in my head. I write down what I plan to do and check off what I actually accomplish. I keep a physical calendar, and one on my phone. I schedule meetings and call to confirm that the meeting is still taking place. I am a linear thinker. Most of the time, I know what I want to do and have a plan for how to do it. I must admit that I love it when things go according to my plan. I like it when the sheet balances, and everything is checked off. I feel accomplished when that happens and a little frazzled when it doesn't. That's how I have felt about life probably for the last year or so -- frazzled. I had a plan. I had a blueprint in my head (and in some areas on paper) for what my life would be like in my forties. I can honestly admit that things have not gone according to my plan. Perhaps that is the issue. I had my plan. The kingdom of God does not operate according to my plan, however. It works according to His. If I want to fulfill His plan I must let go of mine. I must surrender my ideals for His truth. I have to submit my imaginations to His authority. Does this mean that He won't bring my dreams to pass? Absolutely not! I truly believe that any dream or vision that we have that is aligned to His will must come to pass. We just have to give up the right to make it come to pass our way. We have to trust Him through the whole process. That means we have to step out of the shadows when we would rather stay in our comfort zones. We have to act on His word even when we are afraid. We have to be disciplined when we would rather be lazy. We have to love and forgive when we would rather hold on to hurt and anger. We have to do it His way. So, yeah, our prayer must be the same on Jesus prayed -- not my will. We have to give up the power to choose our own actions. We have to stop asserting our own choices. Instead we have to choose what He wants. It may not be easy. When Jesus was praying in the garden He was in the midst of great difficulty. His flesh did not desire the cross. His natural body did not desire the thorns, the mocking, or the whipping. Yet, even in the midst of those obstacles, He prayed for God's will to be done. I don't know what obstacles you are facing today. It could be marital, financial, health, or family related. Whatever you are going through choose to go through it God's way. Submit your will to His. Determine that you are not going to try to make things happen in your own strength. Decide that you are going to follow God's word and His will. Find out what the bible says about your situation. Pray about your next steps. Then take them in alignment with God. Choose His will above your own.