Not my will... But Thine

The other morning I read the story about Joseph being sold by his brothers, then sent to prison by Potiphar to my youngest daughter; then later read about Jesus' betrayal and crucifixion in Mark with my older girls.

It seems like this past year or so the Lord has wanted to convey something to me, that years ago I wouldn't of comprehended, nor would of accepted.

That there are people who are willing to suffer in order to be obedient to God, and God uses that pain and suffering to fulfill His purpose. A glorious purpose.

Look at Jesus.
What was the outcome of His willingness to face and walk through suffering?

 Glory.

Victory.

Hope.

Love.

For His Father. For us.

Look at Josephs life. He could of become embittered towards his brothers who did the harm, embittered towards God, and disbelieving of the promises He had from God. But he remained true and faithful, and forgiving and TRUSTING that God still loved Him even when he was in a dark pit, even when he spent years in prison as an innocent person. It is so easy to think God has abandoned us when we go through pain and torment. That somehow we are not loved by God because our lives do not reflect the ease of others. It's not true. No matter what you're going through, no matter what your life story is; if you are and will continue to love God with all your heart and soul and mind and strength and you continue to believe in Him and His love and goodness, there is victory in your life. There will be a glory that will be displayed on this earth and for all eternity. Your love and devotion to God and to His son is the only thing that we should live for.

Christ prayed and asked for the cup to be passed from Him, that He wouldn't have to go through something as horrible as He was about to, but He ended the prayer how? Not my will, but Thine.
And what was God's answer to His Sons prayer?
No.
This cup CANNOT pass from you. Did He not love His Son? Yes He did! But He knew the reason for, and the benefit of His Son going through it, and His Son was willing.

I think about how many years I prayed and prayed for circumstances to change. Sometimes they did. Sometimes they didn't. I've wondered why some of the things I wanted so badly to change in my life haven't and  have thought God did not love me as much as He loved someone else. That some how I wasn't worthy of good things. Listen; Sometimes pain is a good thing. Sometimes suffering is a good thing. Not when it's caused by our disobedience to God, but if you are a follower of Christ, even then, God will use it to complete the work that He has started and PURPOSED for you.

I'm am not saying that you should suffer any and everything that comes your way. Sometimes we need to protect ourselves and protect our children by getting away from abuse, and we always need to repent and stop our sin that is causing us and others pain. But it is way to often that the message is to get out of a situation because you're not happy. Because you're hurt. Because you're not being loved or fulfilled. That's garbage. Forget about you, and the love affair you have with your ideals.

Beg God for a love for Him. A love to be so devoted that you are able to withstand heartache and disappointment for the sake of being obedient to His will. Your hearts desires matter, but if your hearts desires super cede your willingness to go forward with what ever God's answers to those heart desires are your not living a life of complete surrender.


This entry has the potential of being taken entirely out of context. I hope it doesn't. I hope who ever reads this, has read the story of Jesus, and Joseph, and of so many others in the Word and in this life who have surrendered their will and circumstances to be used how ever God wants; and knows it is what is best for them, for Him, and for others while at the same time knowing and trusting He loves them!
 I have chased after, yearned for things and circumstances, more than I have for Christ. Over the past few years the Lord has graciously shown me HE is the reward. Not a picture perfect family or income. Nor a life that skips over sorrows that I think I could never or should never have to bear.

When we accept our lot out of trust and obedience, the portion is HIM. If I have Him I have something to give to others. I have something that satiates my longings and eases my heart in trials.

Once upon a time I had dreams and hopes, but now my dreams and hopes are to be like Joseph, and Jesus. To believe that God loves me even when I am hurting and in a miserable circumstance and my hope is to persevere through them rather than avoid them. Are your hands open to what ever God pours forth, or only open to what you want?

Beth