08/02/2019
Doing the will of God means work for us; sometimes suffering, but it always requires work, or action on our part. However, we are impatient by nature, and if we had it our way most of us would prefer to have our reward without the work, action, or any effort on our part. As you faithfully seek to do the will of God in your life are you guilty of this? Do you waste time wishing without asking “What next Father?”
“Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised.”
Hebrews 10:35-36 ESV
There is an old saying that “Rome wasn’t built in a day”, and it is meant to give us patience while we work, or wait on something. Well, the will of God isn’t completed in a day either, and it too requires us to work.
Last week my daughter in law completed a project In which she recorded a series of short life lessons that she has learned through music, and after each of these she plays an incredible piece of classical music on the piano. It is an intensely personal, and amazing project, and it calls on her substantial skills in performance piano to accomplish. (It is available on the internet at www.katherineforbes.com) But, the point I want to make here is that when I let people hear a recording, or watch a video of her playing the piano they are amazed and always ask how long she has been playing, then they get quiet or let out a breath when I tell them that she started playing at the age of 6 and has been playing, and practicing, for the last 24 years. Most ask this question for much the same reason I ask “How long does it take to learn how to play the guitar?” Except in her case they are asking the equivalent of how long it takes to learn how to play guitar like Eric Clapton, or Joe Bonamassa. I ask because I want to play expertly, and when the effort is revealed the wind is taken from my sails... just as theirs is regarding the piano. To get a gist of this you can watch a short clip of her practicing a piece she intended to use in her project...
https://www.facebook.com/1398720100/posts/10215000448550189?s=100022946341640&sfns=xmo
Who wouldn’t want to play like that, but are we willing to take instruction, and do the work?
Well, doing the will of God doesn’t come overnight either, but with motivation, and action, God will provide us with the gifts, and the skills needed to do it. What we must be prepared for is to do our part; to actually exercise the action, and occasionally patience. Talking about a thing never makes it happen. I really like the way Andrew Murray expressed this when he used the love of God as an example...
“All his attributes could not make Him the glorious God He is if they were all dormant, inactive powers. His love, for instance, would be a mere thought or sentiment, not a reality or a truth. The highest form of human existence is also the power to do work. And, as a human, the highest form of that power can be nothing other than working out the perfect will of God.” - Andrew Murray
When we read about God’s Will in the Bible it is always associated with action words. Whether being performed by God Himself, or by man it requires effort, or action. Even in the Garden of Gethsemane when we hear Jesus speak these words...
“saying, "Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done."”
Luke 22:42 ESV
Yes, even here, action is required; God’s will must be “done”. So the question of us is this... Are we prepared to take action on God’s will as it is revealed to us regarding our lives? Are we willing to do the hard work, perform the hours of practice, get up early, put in the effort, and if necessary, the years, to finish what He has given us? Well, it all begins when we ask, and he first reveals His will to us, and then continues when we take that first step, or perform that beginning action by asking Him to show us how we can accomplish it... and to teach us!
“Teach me to do your will, for you are my God! Let your good Spirit lead me on level ground!”
Psalms 143:10 ESV
So have we asked what His will is for us? Have we listened for the answer? Have we asked Him how to accomplish this? Have we asked Him to teach us or to give us the gifts we need? AND; have asked Him for continued strength as we are actually doing what He has asked for us... His will?
Pray with me:
Father, thank you for having, and revealing, your will for my life. Thank you for your voice, even your whisper, as I listen for your guidance in doing what you require of me. Thank you Holy Father for making this my greatest desire, and not a burden that I must endure. Give me strength Father to do your bidding, and wings to surmount the obstacles I encounter along the way. Heal the wounds that I receive as I work, and send me help as I need it. Holy, Holy, Holy, Are you my God who has a plan and will for my life. Great are you who raises me up in his strong right hand when I falter, and will not let me fail. I pray that my efforts will bring you glory Father, just as the working of your grace through Jesus Christ has brought you glory forevermore. Praised be your name, and blessed is your will.
“Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.”
Proverbs 19:21 ESV
Rich Forbes