January 12

Who’s Will?

I do not seek My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.

John 5:30 (NAS)


The first Adam failed. The second Adam succeeded. Adam sought his own will, but Jesus, the second Adam, sought the will of the Father. So who’s will will I seek? Mine or God’s?

I am over 50-years old now, and unfortunately, too many of those years were focused on me. Too many times my thoughts centered on, “What do I want?” not “What does God want?” Too often it was, “What will make me happy? Not “What will please God?”

And then there’s the reality—in these pursuits I found failure—my failure instead of His success. Sometimes it was subtle, like Joseph asking Pharaoh’s cupbearer, “Make mention of me to Pharaoh” and then waiting an extra two years in prison. Perhaps that’s the hardest thing—resisting the urge to wiggle myself into position or to posture myself for success. But now, I've come to hate my will. Quite frankly, it scares me. Ultimately, it brings failure. Though I may revel in my minor success, it soon flies away.

But God’s will is supreme and so worth pursuing. His hand ensures His success and this is what I want: His hand on me. Even though His will may seem difficult and even though I may experience pain—physical, emotional, mental or spiritual pain—it’s worth it.

How do I know?

It was the greatest person who ever lived who said it: “I do not seek My own will….”


Father, I crave Your will. Help me find it. Keep me in it. Keep me close to You. Amen.