“When we had heard this, we as well as the local residents began begging him not to go up to Jerusalem. Then Paul answered, “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but even to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” And since he would not be persuaded, we fell silent, remarking, “The will of the Lord be done!”” (Acts 21:12–14).
Paul and his traveling companions were making their way to Jerusalem at the end of his third missionary journey. During their stay with Philip the evangelist in Caesarea, a prophet named Agabus shares some disturbing news: Paul is headed for serious trouble in the capital city, including his arrest. This revelation alarms Paul’s friends and they beg him not to continue on. But Paul knows that it’s God will for him to fulfill this difficult assignment (cf. Acts 20:22-24) and he is determined to forge ahead. Seeing the apostle’s resolve, the believers know it's useless to continue to try and sway him. They surrender their wills to the will of God.
The human will can be a powerful force. When we know what we want, it can be difficult to change our minds. That can be a good thing. Much good can be accomplished when we are determined to find a way to make it happen. But we must always remember that there is another will that takes precedence over our own. And that is the will of God.
Even the Son of God Himself wasn’t exempt from the need to submit His will to the will of God. As He prayed in the garden not long before His crucifixion, His own will desired a way to avoid the cross. But in the dark night of His soul, He said these words: “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet no as I will, but as You will” (Matthew 26:39).
Father, may my will never get in the way of Your will.
God loves you!
Mike
