THY WILL BE DONE

by CharlesRobey
(Trussville, AL USA)

O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as Thou wilt." ( Matthew 26:39)

This passage of scripture takes place in the Garden of Gethsemane, shortly before our Lord's sacrificial death on the cross, and just prior to His betrayal by Judas. He was just short of taking on the sins of the entire world. This cup, as He referred too, was actually all the suffering involved in the sinless Son of God taking upon Himself all the sins of mankind. He naturally felt the pain of the whole world (Mark 14:34), though He willingly submitted to it. (Mark 14:36) It was God the Father's sovereign will at work.

This introductory scripture directly confirms the importance of understanding and abiding by God's will. Like our Lord's prayer in the garden of Gethsemane, it is right to plead our case, but never against the will of God. We should also be open to God's plan for our lives and our country.

God's sovereign Will is a very powerful attribute of our loving heavenly Father. (Ephesians 1:8-10) It is one of His qualities I have always attested to, but it was really reaffirmed in my mind during this most recent American presidential election. (Daniel 4:35)

Case in point: this election was like none other, with so much controversy, so much debate between the political experts. It was one of which the various news pundits presumed to have had figured out, or at least they thought so, from the very outset. But one factor, which the secular analyst failed to consider, was the sovereignty of our living God. (Isaiah 46:10)

I must admit, like so many other Christians, I had my doubtful moments during this election campaign. Yet, somehow I just seemed to be directed to the prophecy in (Daniel 2:19-23). In support of this optimistic tone was the positive scripture-based faithful attitude of my church pastor and so many other well-known professionals of the faith, many of which also seemed to cling to this prophetic scripture in the book of Daniel. So, I decided to go with these great stalwarts of the faith and mark this passage in my Bible, noting the election date of November 8, 2016. (Please note intro picture) Then as a follow-up, I decided to commit this scripture passage to daily prayer until the election.

Leaving it all up to God, my daily prayer petition was simply, "Thy will be done.” And now my response is merely, "Thank you Lord. May we Your people be worthy of Your sovereign grace. May we make (2 Chronicles 7:14) our practice."

Now that the election is over, now that God's will was preserved, what will be the future of this great country of ours? God only knows. One thing I do know, however, He has definitely now given us the tool of victory. (Hebrews 11:1, 6) And it's up to us how we accept and handle this opportunity.

Two of the most important objectives for us and our country should be to reaffirm the freedoms of our secular and religious rights as follows:

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights; that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. (The Declaration of Independence)

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. (The Constitution of the United States of America, Amendment I)

So just to recap the result of this recent presidential election, I continue to believe and pray this all important scripture of (Daniel 2:19-23). As we saw in this last presidential election, God places leaders in authority according to His will. No matter how powerful a ruler might be, God is still sovereign over the affairs of men; He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings. (Psalm 75:6-7) (Proverbs 21:1) You see, God holds the entire world in His hands. He also controls all that is going on in the governments of the world. (Isaiah 40:12)

Author's Postscript:

The one main theme in this blog is "God's Sovereignty." What is meant by His Sovereign Will? Sovereignty may be defined as God having supreme authority, control, and power over all that has happened, is happening, and will happen in the future in all times across all history. (Psalm 115:3)

In addition to God's sovereignty is His righteousness. He can do no wrong. He does what He wants to do, when He wants to do it, and all in His perfect will. He is always right. So, please continue to pray diligently for this great nation of ours. (2 Chronicles 29:11)

(The following is an excerpt from the November 12, 2016 "The Vine Today" devotion by Dr. James R. Miller)
The best thing possible for us is always what God wills for us. Sometimes it may be pain or worldly loss or sore bereavement; yet His will is always love, and in simple acquiescence to this will we shall always find our highest good. No prayer, therefore, is pleasing to God which does not end with this refrain of Gethsemane. This is the way also to peace; as we yield with love and joy, and merge our own will in our Father's, the peace of God flows like a river into our souls.

"'Not as I will!' -- the sound grows sweet
Each time my lips the words repeat.
'Not as I will!' -- the darkness feels
More safe than light when this thought steals
Like whispered voice to calm and bless
All unrest and all loneliness.
Not as I will,' because the One
Who loved us first and best has gone
Before us on the road, and still
For us must all his love fulfill --
Not as we will.'"

The bottom line for us and for our country's future is to just trust God and leave all the consequences to Him.(Psalm 4:6-8) Amen and Amen !