Behind any action, there is always a decision behind it. Every decision has a driven will. A person’s will is their own and free for them to decide.
So how does all of that connect with God?
Matthew 26:36-39
[36] Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder.
[37] And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy.
[38] Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me.
[39] And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.
When Jesus at the garden, there was a great trial before him; in fact, this would become one of the greatest tests of will that we know as Christians today.
Even though Christ was justified for more reasons than one for giving up and turning away from this, he still chose the Father’s will over His own.
If Christ was strong enough to choose the will of God in the ultimate sacrifice for all of us, that speaks to me in so many ways! I am so thankful for the choice that was made. I now know that I have to begin to choose God’s will over mine own, even when I think I have the right or reason to.
If we are not too careful though, we might become as the disciples were:
Matthew 26:40-41
[40] And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour?
[41] Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
Where were those disciples, really? Yes, in the moment they were asleep in the garden. In our readings and interpretations though, they are metaphorically in the church of today (not literally).
We become comfortable with the way things are, and will (in theory) fall asleep on our walk with God. Then in that moment when Christ comes to speak to us, is what we hear “Could ye not watch with me one hour?”
Are we not able to come in and worship anymore? Are we not able to back the ministers of God and show support? Are we not able to get in and do what God has called us to do? We often blame it on reason, but we do not actually do anything because of our lack of will to do so.
Mark 3:24-25
[24] And if a kingdom be divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.
[25] And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand.
We have to begin submitting to God’s will and not ours. My will could never carry anyone or anything. My leadership in the church should never be directed by mine own will, but God’s through me. You see, God’s will can lead us through things know and also things unseen.
When leaders take the will into their own hands, critical mistakes occur. This results in self-directed sermons, songs that do not magnify God, and not being attentive to the spirit; in other words we do what we think the church needs. That’s a scary thought, but it’s true. Following God’s will leads to the only path for certain victory.
Mark 3:32-35
[32] And the multitude sat about him, and they said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren without seek for thee.
[33] And he answered them, saying, Who is my mother, or my brethren?
[34] And he looked round about on them which sat about him, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren!
[35] For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister, and mother.
There are many areas where our willpower must drive our want to obey:
- Supporting Singing
- Taking Interest In Preaching
- Being More Involved In Church Functions
- Being Active In Altar Service
If I could say anything, we as a church must begin to cast out every hindrance and distraction. It is vitally essential to see the fruitfulness and the increase of the desire of the people grow!
Always remember, it does not matter who it is that is carrying forth what God has led them to do; as long as it bears witness by the spirit you need not fear!
So how do we know the will of God? Do we want to know the will of God?
Are we truly ready to submit our lives and everything involved to them to his will?
Philippians 2:12-13
[12] Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
[13] For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
I know that we often love to depend on others to “move” us during service, but God has given us more than enough to move ourselves. He wants to do a great work in you, and it is in God’s pleasure to do it! He wants us to begin to have a stronger will to get up and be more obedient, to get up and go get those in need that God leads you towards, and to get up and keep yourself from falling short simply by doing nothing at all!