Not My Will

And he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.”

Luke 22:41-42

Do you remember the Calgon commercial?  There was a picture of a woman in a bathtub relaxing with not a care in the world.  Only if a bubble bath really did take you away from the cares of this old world.  It's days like today that I wish it did.  Truth be told, if I have another sleepless night I'm not going to be good for anything.  It's times like these I wish I could just say "Calgon take me away!"  What is amazing about this is how my mind shifted gears just that quickly while writing.  You see, I just couldn't think of complaining when I think about what my Jesus went through in order to pay the debt for my sins.  The things that I am experiencing in my life don't even compare. 


Yes I wish that some areas in my life would change and turn around for the better.  However one thing I have learned as a Christian is that worrying about it doesn't change the situation.  I also realize that there are some things that are beyond my control.  I just have to go through them until God says it's over.  I am reminded of a time in the Bible when Jesus was in the garden of Gethsemane.  He knew the hour that was approaching Him but He didn't look for a bubble bath.  Instead He went alone by Himself to pray.  From the words of His prayer I can only imagine that He was having some of the same thoughts I have when I don't quite understand what is going on in my life.  The difference between me and Jesus was that He recognized His need to go to His Heavenly Father.  He didn't try to pray His way out of the situation.  Instead He made a request and ended that request by saying 'not my will but thine be done'.  That's really what it's all about.  Allowing God to show up in our lives through whatever means He deems necessary to make us better and also to help others.

One of the best lessons I have learned is that God knows what it best for me.  So I need to accept the good with the bad knowing that in the end it will all work out for my good.  It's not about having everything handed to me without having to work for it.  It's not about not having to endure trials and tribulations.  In fact I have to admit that it is my trials and tribulations that have made me stronger.  They have given me thicker skin.  Through it all I have learned to put all of my trust in God.  That is why I am able to end my prayers in the same way Jesus did...'not my will but thy will be done'.  These words mean that I am going to get out of the way.  Let go and let God.  I am going to get up every morning and face my trials with God on my side.  For if it had not been for God on my side, where would I be?  I am not saying that I am inviting misery to come into my life and take up permanent residence.  What I am saying is that as long as I have God on my side I can make it just a little while longer.  I'm gonna run on and see what the end is going to be.  Today at church I was reminded once again what it's all about.  I just want to make it to heaven to see my Savior face to face.  "Some glad morning when this life is over, I'll fly away."  So whatever it takes, no matter the test, I am going to run on and see what the end is going to be. 

Most Gracious Heavenly Father,

I must admit right now that I am in a place that I don't understand what is going on in my life.  It seems like one bad thing after another.  I know that I may have caused some of these things because of my disobedience and today I am asking You for forgiveness.  I also know that some of these things have come into my life come directly from you and I welcome them.  I know that they are perfecting me, finishing the work You started.  So I am going to hang one.  Not my will Father, but thy will be done is my prayer.  In Jesus' Wonderful Name I pray Amen.