Thy Will Be Done
Ronnie Hewitt 12/9/2016
I received a devotional Friday morning that really caused me to pause and think about my life in God’s service. They used the passage from Luke 1 where Gabriel visits Mary and tells her God’s plan for her life. “‘I am the Lord’s servant,’ Mary answered. ‘May your word to me be fulfilled.’ Then the angel left her…‘My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for He has been mindful of the humble state of His servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me – holy is His name.'” (Lk 1:38, 46-49)
This passage got me to thinking about my desires and plans versus God’s desires and plans; and, am I willing to surrender my plans for His. Mary submitted herself completely to God’s will and trusted His message. She willingly accepted the honor – and reproach – that would come because she was the mother of our Lord.
Throughout the history of man, there have always been those who have foregone their own desires and submitted themselves to the plans of God; even during times of great struggle. I am reminded of the struggle Jesus faced in going to the cross. He spent the night before His arrest in the garden praying for the cup of suffering to pass before ultimately stating, “Not My will, but Thy will be done.” Jesus was perfectly content to suffer whatever may be required to accomplish the great design of God; even if it meant physically suffering death on a cross. The things that God has asked me to endure doesn’t even compare to the suffering Jesus endured on my behalf.
So the question is: What am I – what are you – willing to go through to accomplish the will of God?
Mary in the above passage said, “I am the Lord’s servant,” suggesting a humility and readiness toward faithful and obedient service – which should characterize every believer. She sees it as a great honor to share in God’s work. I pray that as the Lord seeks to accomplish His will through me – that I can do the same.