Not My Will

When things don’t go as we planned, or when others in ministry don’t do things the same way we do, we need to know that grumbling and showing our displeasure at the result is not only wrong, but a poor witness.

Rather than throwing a galactic fit and pointing the finger at others involved, remember this: Jesus didn’t demand His way while on earth. He was all about the Father’s will.

And He said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for You. Take this cup away from Me; nevertheless, not what I will, but what you will.” – Mark 14:36

In January of 1850, there was a huge snowstorm in England on a Sunday morning. An elder of a prominent church looked outside and went back to bed. Surely, nobody would come to church.  Then, he realized he was acting on his will, not the Father’s.

So the elder waded through the snow to the church, where he sat alone. As he was about to leave, a young man, 15, walked through the door.  Fumbling with the words, the elder managed what he felt was a weak attempt at the Gospel and was surprised when the boy accepted the message of salvation. That boy was Charles Spurgeon – the “Prince of Preachers” whose sermons, commentaries, and devotionals paved the way for revival in the 20th century.

What if he decided to stay in bed, or worse yet, leave because one person was not important enough for all the effort he’d put into getting there? What if he had badmouthed the pastor and other elders for not showing up?

Instead, he bowed to God’s will. God used this elder’s weakness to prove His greatness.

The next time you are tempted to grumble when your efforts don’t seem to be successful, remember the results are not up to you, so represent your God well.