Doing God’s will is never easy for anyone, not even Jesus. He too was once faced with a decision to either fulfill God’s desires or to satisfy His own. And it was a choice that nearly killed Him on the spot (Mt.26:38). Well before the whips ever touched His back or the thorns even pierced His brow, Jesus was already bleeding (Lk.22:44). His condition was critical, even though His execution was still hours away. 

A Horrible Fate

Lest we wrongly assume that Jesus Christ was never reluctant to follow God’s plan, the Scriptures reveal otherwise. The Gospel writers give us a glimpse into His prayer-life at the time. “If it’s possible” He prayed, “let this cup pass from me”. It was Jesus’ way of saying “I don’t want to do what you’re asking of me. Is there any way around it?” Our Lord knew the plans God had for Him. They were plans to harm and to destroy. Plans for a dismal future.

A Resolute Mind

In spite of His apprehension, however, Jesus was determined to let His Father have the final word. “Nevertheless” He said, “not as I will, but as you will”. Three times He prayed, and “let your will be done” was the refrain. Jesus clearly made His own wishes known, but, in the end, He subjected them to God’s requirements. He wouldn’t back down from His Father’s ultimate plan & purpose, but was determined to do the will of God, even if it killed Him.

A beautiful life is just within your reach…

Jesus was willing to suffer incalculable loss in order to fulfill God’s unique design for His life. And knowing the end of the story, we’d all agree that it was the right decision. Never before, nor since, has there been a life more beautifully lived than the one that Jesus did.

A Personal Call

The Apostle Peter made mention of this in his first letter. Writing to people like you and me, he says, “To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example…that you should follow in His steps” (2:21). By choosing God’s will over His own, our Lord Jesus Christ became the perfect source of inspiration for anyone facing the soul-rending task of choosing between God’s will, and their own.

We’ve all been supplied with the same free-will that Jesus had. What you do with it, however, is for you to decide. Will you follow in His steps, or blaze your own trail? Will you choose to do God’s will, and so prove to have the mind of Christ? Or will you live as you please, and so prove to have a mind of your own? A beautiful life is just within your reach, but guarding it too closely is bound to make it ugly.

A Beautiful Life

Doing God’s will is a difficult decision for everyone, including Jesus, but anybody can do it, even you. The next time you find yourself having to choose between fulfilling God’s desires or satisfying your own, remember Jesus, “the author and finisher of your faith, who…endured the cross, disregarding its shame. And now He’s seated in the place of honor…beside God’s throne”.

This dark world could always use a little more beauty in it.

You can help.