Not my will but yours…

Introduction – Do We Truly Desire the Will of God?

It’s one of the most important questions in the Christian life: Do we truly want the will of God—or only the parts of it that agree with us?Many believers say they want God’s will, but when it collides with comfort, logic, ambition, or timing, resistance arises. Surrender is easy to sing about, but costly to live.God’s will is not discovered by accident. It’s discerned through intentional communion with Him. His will is spiritual, and therefore must be spiritually discerned (1 Corinthians 2:14). It often defies logic but always produces life. It’s birthed in the secret place, confirmed in peace, and fulfilled through obedience.This reflection will explore how even good intentions can hinder God’s perfect plan, and how to align with the Spirit to walk in true obedience. Let us begin by laying our hearts bare before the Lord and praying: “Search me, O God… Not my will, but Thine be done.”

Peter – Misguided Loyalty and the Sword

Peter’s zeal is legendary. He was the disciple who stepped out of the boat. The one who declared, “You are the Christ!” But also the one who resisted Jesus’ crucifixion and later denied Him.In the garden, Peter’s loyalty moved him to draw a sword against those coming to arrest Jesus. But this was a moment of spiritual conflict, not physical warfare.Jesus corrected him: “Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?” (John 18:11).Peter had heard Jesus predict His suffering multiple times. Yet his soul couldn’t grasp it. His love was real, but his understanding shallow. He resisted the Father’s will in the name of devotion.This is a powerful warning to every believer: we can love Jesus and still oppose His plan if we’re not listening in the Spirit. Peter’s example reminds us that spiritual maturity requires more than passion—it demands discernment.God wants us to lay down the sword of self-will, even when it’s dressed in loyalty. Our role is not to protect God's plan, but to participate in it, humbly and in step with His Spirit.

Paul – When Zeal Needs Illumination

Paul, formerly Saul, is a case study in spiritual transformation. Before his conversion, he was fervent—zealous for the Law, driven by tradition, and convinced he was honoring God by persecuting Christians.But in Acts 9, a heavenly light stopped him in his tracks. “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” Jesus asked.This encounter didn’t just change his direction—it changed his nature.Paul’s story teaches us that zeal, apart from revelation, is dangerous. Passion must be refined by presence. Paul had to be blinded so he could finally see. In stillness and submission, he was given a new name, a new mission, and a new heart.Many Christians run hard—planting ministries, launching efforts, making decisions—all without having had a Damascus moment. Paul’s calling emerged from encounter, not ambition. The same is true for us. Before we do for God, we must meet with God.Only in His presence can our calling be purified, our pride crushed, and our path revealed.

Uzzah – Good Motives, Wrong Method

The story of Uzzah (2 Samuel 6) is sobering. As the Ark of the Covenant was being transported, the oxen stumbled and Uzzah reached out to steady it. Immediately, God struck him down.It seems harsh until we understand the context: the Ark represented the presence of God. God had given specific instructions that it should be carried on the shoulders of priests—not placed on a cart.Uzzah’s reflex was natural—but not obedient.This moment teaches that God’s presence must be handled with reverence, not reaction. Our modern approach often resembles Uzzah’s: programs over prayer, platforms over presence, hustle over holiness.God’s work must be done God’s way. The Kingdom is not advanced through cleverness or control, but through submission and sacrifice.Uzzah’s death calls us to inspect our motives. Are we touching holy things with unholy hands? Are we substituting convenience for consecration? The presence of God is weighty—it must not be managed, but honored.

Israel – The Cost of Presumption

After the Israelites refused to enter the Promised Land out of fear, they were judged. Then, in a burst of regret, they decided to go anyway—without God’s blessing. Moses warned them, but they presumed upon the Lord’s favor. They were defeated.This is the sin of presumption—doing what seems spiritual without the Spirit’s leading.Presumption is deceptive because it looks like faith. It mimics obedience but lacks authorization. It says, “God will bless me anyway.” But heaven doesn’t bless rebellion, even when cloaked in religious language.Delayed obedience is not obedience. And forced repentance is not surrender. What God honors is humility and brokenness.We must learn to wait on the Lord—not just for direction, but for permission. Every movement without His voice leads to frustration, no matter how noble it appears.

Soul vs. Spirit – Who’s Really in Control?

The soul is strong. It feels deeply, reasons quickly, and often takes control. But the Christian life is meant to be lived from the spirit, not the soul.Romans 8:14 says, “Those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.”This is not about religious activity—it’s about spiritual alignment. The soul may have energy, but only the spirit has authority. The soul may start well, but only the Spirit can sustain.Soul-driven decisions are usually reactionary. Spirit-led decisions are rooted in peace, patience, and purpose. The difference may not be visible at first, but the fruit will always tell the story.When the soul leads, we burn out. When the Spirit leads, we abide. And where we abide, we bear fruit that remains (John 15:5). The true test of leadership, ministry, and life is not speed—it’s surrender.

Jesus – The Ultimate Picture of Surrender

No one modeled surrender more perfectly than Jesus. In Gethsemane, under the weight of the cross to come, He prayed, “Not My will, but Yours be done” (Luke 22:42).He could have avoided the suffering. He could have called down angels. But He chose the will of the Father.That choice wasn’t weak—it was world-changing.Gethsemane is where destiny meets decision. We all have our own garden moments, where obedience costs us something. But the victory of resurrection only comes after the surrender of Gethsemane.Following Jesus isn’t about preserving our comfort—it’s about laying down our will in trust. “Take up your cross and follow Me” isn’t poetic—it’s prophetic. It’s the only path to true life.When we echo Jesus’ prayer, we’re not just quoting Scripture—we’re joining Him in the deepest expression of love: submission.

Growing in Discernment – Practical Tools

Discernment doesn’t happen by accident. It’s cultivated over time and rooted in intimacy with the Holy Spirit. Here are key principles to grow:1. Daily surrender – Start each day laying down your will.2. Consistent prayer – Not just requests, but listening.3. Immersion in Scripture – The Word tunes your ear.4. Spiritual mentors – God often speaks through godly counsel.5. Testing peace – If you lose peace, pause.6. Prophetic confirmation – Don’t move on emotion alone.7. Obedience – God gives more to those who obey what He’s already said.Spiritual discernment increases when we stop striving and start abiding.

Common Pitfalls in Discerning God’s Will

- Acting too soon out of pressure.- Misinterpreting peace as permission.- Confusing emotional excitement with divine endorsement.- Ignoring wise counsel or spiritual authority.- Making decisions based on outcomes, not obedience.Discerning God’s will isn’t just about choosing right over wrong. It’s about choosing His way even when there’s no visible reward. It’s about living as a vessel, not an architect.

A Life Marked by Surrender

Surrender is not just for crisis moments—it’s a daily rhythm.A surrendered life reflects:- Quiet confidence, not anxiety.- Availability, not agenda.- Sensitivity to the Spirit, not sensitivity to offense.- Dependence on grace, not striving for performance.This life isn’t flashy. It may go unnoticed. But it’s the life heaven applauds.It’s the life that hears, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Final Prayer and Commitment

Lord, I surrender again today. My thoughts, my emotions, my expectations—I lay them all at Your feet. I want Your will, not mine. I trust that what You choose is better than what I desire.Forgive me for every time I’ve run ahead, reacted in the flesh, or presumed upon Your favor. Train my ear to hear Your voice and my heart to follow it.I echo the prayer of Your Son: Not my will, but Yours be done.In Jesus’ name, Amen. Much love!