As I was reading Adeye's blog post this morning, this statement resonated deeply in my spirit. Before God brought us to Africa, there was a particular day that I felt compelled to get down on my knees and pray. It was one of those moments where you know the Father has something to say and you need to listen! So I positioned myself to hear His voice, and He asked me a question:
"Do you want my will, even if it's hard?"
My immediate response, only by the grace of God and the help of the Holy Spirit:
"Yes, Lord! Only because I know that you will give me the grace and strength I need. You will help me!"
In my journey with Jesus, this has always been my desire~even though I haven't always been successful at it~to know and to do the will of God. Since we arrived in Africa, I have had my moments of struggling~desiring to go back to the "ease" of Western living. But then God gently reminds me of the above exchange and I say, "Oh yes, I signed up for this!" His grace truly is sufficient.
Yesterday I was talking with a dear friend who is going through one of those trying times. Though she desires a certain outcome, she shared that she was at peace with praying, "Your will be done." I had to smile, because she is exactly where she needs to be. She is acting just like Jesus! In the absolute most agonizing time of His life here on earth, He was crying out to the Father..."Get me out of this, if possible! Nevertheless, not my will, but YOUR will be done." How can we do any less as His disciples?
Thy Will Be Done by Derek Webb
Words by Charlotte Elliot, Music by Justin Smith ©2009 Justin Smith Music
1. My God and Father! while I stray,
Far from my home in life’s rough way,
Oh! teach me from my heart to say,
“Thy will be done!” “Thy will be done!”
2. If Thou shouldst call me to resign,
What most I prize, it ne’er was mine.
I only yield Thee what was Thine;
“Thy will be done!” “Thy will be done!”
3. If but my fainting heart be blest,
With Thy sweet Spirit for its guest,
My God! To Thee I leave the rest,
“Thy will be done!” “Thy will be done!”
4. Renew my will from day to day,
Blend it with Thine, and take away,
All now that makes it hard to say,
“Thy will be done!” “Thy will be done!”
5. Then when on earth I breathe no more,
The prayer oft mixed with tears before,
I’ll sing upon a happier shore,
“Thy will be done!” “Thy will be done!”
