The Will of God

As we come to the close of the year and look to 2020, we are reminded that time slips by quickly. The thinkers and idea-people of the world, along with many preachers, tell us that this is the time of the year to dream big dreams, be clear about our life-vision and set big goals for 2020 and for the rest of our lives. It all sounds very noble—in fact it sounds really wise, progressive and maybe even spiritual. (long pause) But its not biblical! Jesus is our example, our teacher; He is our Master and our Lord. Jesus never taught his disciples—or us—to dream big dreams or to have a vision for our lives. Quite the opposite. He taught us to pray, “Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” In the Garden of Gethsemane before going to die on the cross for our sins, He taught us to pursue God’s will and not our own will. After all, who dreams of dying young or who has a life-vision that includes dying a horrific and cruel death? Who has life goals that include serving God, serving others and serving the community and the world? Jesus taught us to pray, “Lord, not my will, but Yours be done.” This is how we must enter the New Year: ready, willing and enabled by the Holy Spirit to obey God.