I am inspired by the willingness of Jesus to do what God had sent him to do despite the tremendous cost. When Jesus was in the garden praying, the weight and pain of the sin of the world was coming upon him. During this time, his suffering became unbearable. Look at his response: 

Mark 14:32-36 They went to the olive grove called Gethsemane, and Jesus said, “Sit here while I go and pray.” 33 He took Peter, James, and John with him, and he became deeply troubled and distressed. 34 He told them, “My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.” 35 He went on a little farther and fell to the ground. He prayed that, if it were possible, the awful hour awaiting him might pass him by. 36 “Abba, Father,” he cried out, “everything is possible for you. Please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet, I want your will to be done, not mine.”

Wow! His love for us was so great! Knowing it would cost him his life, he resolutely obeyed God and headed to the cross! This is how I’m processing these truths today. 

1. Is life all about me? Am I willing to do what God has sent me to do, even if it requires hardship and pain? Am I prepared to go through what is uncomfortable to fulfill God’s perfect plan for my life? 

2. Will I love unconditionally? Will I forgive from my heart? Will I work hard at those things that are God’s will but tend to bring me pain? 

3. Am I willing to be relentless in the pursuit of the goals and dreams that God has placed upon my heart? 

4. Do I choose to lay down my life for my wife, my children, my church family, and those God has put in my path, serving them with unconditional love? 

5. Is Jesus my example? Am I willing to follow in his footsteps and do what he did? 

Matthew 20:26-28 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— 28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Maybe as you read this, your heart, like mine, is being stirred. As I seek God this morning for grace to obey him in all things, I am praying for you. I pray that you will be empowered by the grace of God to submit to his divine plan and faithfully execute all that God has called you to do! May you be filled with faith, “confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus!” Philippians 1:6

Yes! May the favor of God be upon your life today, and may his faith drive you to success! May you be like Jesus and say, not my will but… 

YOUR WILL BE DONE!

If you are blessed by these Encouraging Notes, consider telling your friends and family about www.arthurwilder.com and tell them to click the button ‘JOIN THE LIST.’ Together, we can make a difference!