Obedience to the Will of God

Key Verse:
“Then I said, ‘Here I am, I have come to do your will, O God.'” – Hebrews 10:7 (NIV)

In Hebrews 10:7, the Lord Jesus declares, “Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me) to do Thy will, O God.” This statement perfectly captures the essence of Christ’s submission to the Father’s will. Jesus’ life and ministry were entirely focused on doing God’s will, even to the point of death on the cross. His obedience to the will of the Father is the ultimate example for us.

A similar act of submission to God’s will marked the Apostle Paul’s ministry. When he first encountered the Lord on the road to Damascus, he asked, “Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do?” (Acts 9:6). Paul’s question shows his readiness to follow God’s direction without hesitation. He didn’t just ask what God’s will was-he was ready to do it. This mindset of complete surrender is what empowered Paul’s ministry and made it so impactful.

As Christians, if we desire to please the Father, we must be open and honest with Him. We must cultivate a mindset that is always ready to hear the will of the Father and to act upon it, whenever and however the Holy Spirit reveals it. The key to this is having a heart of surrender-a heart that says, “Lord, your will be done, not mine.”

Obeying God’s will is not something we can easily acquire over time. It requires a life of continual surrender, allowing God to shape us according to His plan. Obedience to the will of God is not just about saying the right things or paying lip service to what we believe; it is about making deliberate decisions in our hearts. It’s a decision to act in line with God’s purposes, even when it is difficult or requires sacrifice.

A decision to follow God’s will is similar to the commitment made in a marriage ceremony. Marriage is not a decision to be rushed into or taken lightly. It is something that requires careful thought, prayer, and commitment. Similarly, following God’s will is a decision we must make with deep thought and reflection. It is not to be entered into carelessly, but with the full understanding of its significance and cost.

Prayer:
Father, I thank you for the example of Jesus and Paul, who both submitted to your will with humility and obedience. I ask you to give me a heart that is always open to your will and ready to act upon it. Help me to make decisions that align with your purposes, and give me the strength to obey, even when it is difficult. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.