scripture reading: John 13:1–17

Sweet Will of God

Whatever he says to you, do it. (John 2:5)

At the wedding banquet in Cana, Jesus’ mother took charge of an embarrassing situation during the reception when the wine ran out. Mary informed her son of the crisis and pressured him to do something about it. When Jesus hesitated, she went to the servants and simply said, “Whatever he says to you, do it.” Pushed along by his mother, Jesus told the servants to fill the waterpots with water. They did it. Then he said, “Draw some out now and take it to the head waiter.” They did it. And a miracle occurred: the water was changed into wine! They did what Jesus told them to do. The result was that everyone present saw Jesus’ glory and many put their trust in him (John 2:11).

When we do what Jesus tells us to do, miracles happen, Christ is glorified, people are converted, the world is changed. You need no degree in theology to under- stand that this is how the Gospel works. This is how the Kingdom comes. Just do what he tells you. The problem for most of us is not that we don’t know God’s will, but that we don’t do it. Oh, there will be occasions when special guidance is needed, but for the most part God has made his will crystal clear: turn from sin, love your neighbor, forgive those who hurt you, be morally pure, surrender your will, give up rights to all your possessions, turn the other cheek, be witnesses for Christ, humble yourselves, give generously, trust God to provide, destroy your idols, etc. Most of us don’t need illumination concerning God’s will; we need a kick in the seat of the pants! Failure to do his revealed will leads to self-deception and spiritual ruin (James 1:22). Just do it!

An old Gospel song written by Leila Norris expresses well the conflict that occurs in the heart whenever we are called to submit our will to his. At first, we imagine God’s will as harsh and cruel. We think doing what he wants us to do will ruin our lives and deprive us of joy. How wrong we are! Nothing makes life richer and fuller than being lost in the “Sweet Will of God.”

My stubborn will at last hath yielded; I would be Thine, and Thine alone; And this the prayer my lips are bringing, Lord, let in me Thy will be done.

Thy precious will, O conquering Savior, Doth now embrace and compass me; All discords hushed, my peace a river, My soul, a prisoned bird set free.

Sweet will of God, still fold me closer, Till I am wholly lost in Thee.

You have to “work out” what God “works in” you . . . God not only expects me to do his will, but he is in me to do it. —Oswald Chambers, commenting on Philippians 2:12–13 (“Work out your own salvation . . . for it is God who works in you.”)

point to ponder • The more you know of God’s will, the more severe will be the judgment if you fail to do it.

prayer focus • Surrender your will to Jesus.