Not My Will

Daily Scripture Threshing for Today, Thursday, June 19, 2025

Today's Text: Luke 22:39-46

Key Verse: Luke 22:42 (NIV): "Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done."

We have a record, here, of Jesus' intense prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane, where he struggles with the weight of the sin of the whole impending before Him. Luke keeps his Gospel aim in view in reporting this: an aim to provide an orderly account of Jesus' life and teachings to Theophilus, from beginning till end, ensuring he knows the certainty of the things he's been taught. So, in this passage, he reveals how Jesus, in His complete humanity, knowing his betrayal is near, went to the Mount of Olives to pray because of the deep sorrow and suffering ahead. But He was strengthened by an angel as he submits to God's will. He therefore sets an example of how humanity should be submissive and committed to fulfilling God's plan.

As clay in the hands of God, the skillful Potter, we are molded and shaped according to His glorious design. Our Lord, in the days of His flesh, showed how we should yield our will to God's divine purpose. Submitting to God's will isn't about passive resignation; it's an active surrender of our desires and plans to His perfect wisdom and love. Christ's example is a profound act that demonstrates to us how our trust in God's sovereignty and benevolence should be. If we believe that God's intentions for our lives are always good, then Jesus, in the Garden of Gethsemane, becomes our ultimate example submission. Even in anguish, the Father's will will be set above our most immense suffering.

Jesus' prayer, "Not my will, but yours be done," teaches us core of true discipleship: a radical act of faith that acknowledges God's superior plan, even when it leads through difficult paths. When we align our will with God's, we open ourselves to His guidance, His strength, and His peace that surpasses all understanding. Unfortunately, our human tendency towards self-reliance, control, and fear often prevents us from fully embracing this transformative surrender. To truly follow Christ, we must cultivate a "not my will" spirit of humility and be ever ready to let go of our own agendas. We must trust that God's way is always best. And, only when we begin to wholeheartedly embrace "Not my will," will we begin to experience a deeper intimacy with God and witness His power working in and through us.

Action Steps: Intentionally seek God's will in every decision, big or small, through prayer and Scripture. Reflect on areas in your life where you might be clinging to your own plans instead of surrendering to God's. Pray for the humility and strength to release control and trust in His perfect will.

Quote for the Day: "True freedom is found not in doing our own will, but in joyfully submitting to the perfect will of God." (Simon Olatunji #quotablequote)

Let Us Pray: Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the example of Jesus, who perfectly submitted to Your will. Help me to lay down my own desires and truly embrace Your divine plan for my life. Grant me the grace to say, "Not my will, but Yours be done," in every circumstance – in Jesus's most glorious name. Amen.

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Thank you for being part of this journey. For additional reading on today's meditation, read: Matthew 26:39, John 5:30, and Romans 12:2.

With all my love and prayers,

Rev Simon Wale Olatunji, Ph.D.

Your Darling Bishop (DaBishop)

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