Today’s Readings:
Luke 22 (vv. 41-43)
“He walked away, about a stone’s throw, and knelt and prayed, “Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want Your will to be done, not mine.” Then an angel from heaven appeared and strengthened him.” (v. 41-43 NLT)
I was one weekend, tidying my home and unexpectedly entered into a conversation with the Holy Spirit. It went something like this:
Holy Spirit: Sanmi, do you know what Humility is?
‘Sanmi: Sure, humility is when you have power but have the restraint not to use it to your advantage in certain circumstances.
Academic, right?
Holy Spirit: Do you remember the story of Jesus, when he was on the Mount of Olives? He said a prayer to His Heavenly Father about His (Jesus) will and the Father’s will. What do you think about it?
It was at this point I understood, that I did not know anything at all, and I was entering Sunday School of the Spirit.
‘Sanmi: I don't know.
Holy Spirit: Jesus had to have a Will for God to use him.
‘Sanmi: I don't understand.
Holy Spirit: When you read the full story of Jesus' prayer on the mount, you will ascertain that Jesus had a will that was individual to that of His Father. He was an individual that had a choice to obey or not to obey. He had a will that could take Him anywhere and even away from His Father. But He made a conscious decision to submit His will to that of His Father. He was obedient even unto death. He endured torture, he endured shame, He endured ridicule, He endured spite, He endured a host of hurtful things. Remember, II Corinthians 5:21 – “For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.” Jesus had always been in the bosom of the Father – these situations were new to Him. He would have gone through a range of emotions, because remember, He was now fully human and with everything that comes with it. What also made that submission of His will so powerful, was that He knew exactly what he was getting himself into, but still did it... for you and me!
Holy Spirit: If Jesus did not have a will in the first place, God could not have used him for His purpose. Also, if Jesus did not submit that will to the Father, His will could not have materialised. You (‘Sanmi) have to find yourself and know who you are before God can use you for anything. It is when you understand that you have a will, that you can fit into the Father’s purpose – not only for you but for everyone attached to you.
It is in fully understanding that you have a will and are in full control. When you consciously submit that will to the Father, you can find humility. To be humble is to submit your will, and give that in its entirety, to the Father to do as He pleases.
‘Sanmi: Mind blown!! Thank you, Holy Spirit!
ADESANMI ADEKUSIBE
To surrender your life to Christ, say this prayer aloud. “Father, I acknowledge my sin against You. I repent and ask for forgiveness, in the name of Jesus. I surrender to the Lordship of Jesus. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, take control of my heart and lead me in Your path of righteousness. Thank you, Lord.”
If you said the prayer, Congratulations! Prayerfully look for a living church and meet the resident reverend, pastor or priest.
Prayer:
Father, I now understand that you are purposeful in all you do and will not use me until I know I have a will and submit my will to you. Take my will, Lord, I submit it to you, in Jesus’ name.
Father, I also understand that submitting my will to you is not enslaving myself to a life of misery. Rather it is to a life of servitude to a higher purpose than any selfish one I can conjure or align myself to. Thank you, Jesus.
I can be anything I want to be, and go anywhere I want to, but when I submit my will to you, I become led. And when I am led, my journey/steps become ordained by You. Use me O Lord, for your glory, in Jesus’ name.
I humbly come before your throne, Father. May you find expression in me, with me, and through me, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
I can do everything through Christ that strengthens me in Jesus’ name.
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