Grow Through The Gospels - Luke 21, 22

Read: Luke 21, 22

Luke 22:42 “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.”

Think

An Elisabeth Elliot quote says, “To pray ‘Thy will be done,’ I must be willing, if the answer requires it, that my will be undone.” How often have we asked God to carry out his will through us but struggled to let go of our desires? How frequently have we ignored signs that we were drifting from God’s plan because we clung to what we thought was best? The truth is, we’ve all done this more times than we’d like to admit.

Think about those old Uncle Sam posters from World War II that said, “Uncle Sam Wants You.” That wasn’t about volunteering; it was a call to action. God wants you even more than Uncle Sam did. He urges, begs, and pleads for you to offer yourself to him completely. It’s like saying, “Here’s my life, Lord. There are many things I’d like to do, but what you want for me is more important than all of my wishes. I am putting myself entirely at your disposal.” Just like a soldier doesn’t know every detail of their future service when they enlist, we don’t know all the plans God has for us. Yet, he asks for our unconditional surrender; we can trust him with every part of our being.

Picture Jesus in Gethsemane, the night before his crucifixion, looking out over Jerusalem, fully aware of the suffering that lay ahead. He knew Judas was betraying him and often visited this place, but this night was different. There was a sense of urgency. He brought three of his disciples with him to pray. This moment in Gethsemane shows us what it looks like to live a life fully submitted to God—a life on mission, motivated by love.

So, do you dare to pray, “Not my will, but Thy will be done”? Jesus’ example in Gethsemane challenges us to surrender our plans and desires to God’s greater purpose. Think about the depth of his sacrifice and the love that led him to the cross. Let’s be moved by that love, willing to let our will be undone for the sake of his perfect plan. May we find the courage to offer ourselves fully to God, trusting that his will is always better than our own.

Apply

When faced with decisions, big or small, take time to pray and seek God's direction. Use Scripture to guide your choices, and be willing to follow where God leads, even if it means letting go of your own preferences.

Pray

Heavenly Father, your will is perfect, and I trust you. Teach me to surrender daily, letting go of my desires and trusting in your plan. I lift to you those who do not yet know your saving grace. Place their names on my heart and remind me to pray for their salvation. Give me wisdom and boldness to share your good news with them. In Jesus’ name. Amen.