One of the great tensions of the Christian life is this uncomfortable truth: we want everything God has to offer, but we often resist everything God asks of us. We desire His blessings, protection, favor, peace, and provision, yet we want them without a surrender. At the heart of this struggle is a human tendency to invite God into our plans rather than submit ourselves to His will.
Jesus addressed this directly when He asked, “And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?” (Luke 6:46). Calling Jesus “Lord” implies obedience, yet many believers live as though God is a consultant rather than a commander. We want God’s approval, but not His authority. We want salvation, but not transformation.
A major reason for this resistance is our unwillingness to change our lifestyle. True faith demands repentance, and repentance means turning away from old habits, values, and desires. However, lifestyle change is uncomfortable. It challenges our routines, confronts our sin, and exposes areas where we have placed self above God. Scripture reminds us, “And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.” (Luke 9:23). Denying oneself is not optional… it is foundational to discipleship.
Yet instead of surrender, we often justify compromise by looking at others. “If others do it, why can’t I?” becomes our quiet defense. Culture sets the standard, not Christ. But God never called His people to blend in; He called them to stand apart. “You shall be holy, for I am holy” (1 Peter 1:16). Holiness is not measured by what others tolerate but by what God commands. When obedience is based on comparison, conviction is easily silenced.
This mindset leads us to a dangerous place where God’s will is acceptable only if it aligns with our own. We pray, but with conditions. We obey, but selectively. We trust God—as long as the outcome matches our expectations. James warns us of this heart posture: “Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.” we would say “You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures” (James 4:3). When prayer becomes a tool to serve our desires rather than surrender them, we miss its true purpose.
God’s will is not designed to compete with ours—it is meant to replace it. Proverbs 3:5–6 instructs us, “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Trusting God means letting go of control, even when His direction disrupts our plans. Faith is not proven when God agrees with us, but when we obey Him despite uncertainty.
The problem is not that God withholds good things; it is that we often want the gift without the Giver’s guidance. Romans 8:32 assures us, “He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?” God’s generosity is unquestionable. However, His blessings are often tied to obedience, not convenience. He is far more interested in shaping our character than satisfying our comfort.
Grace does not excuse disobedience—it empowers change. “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?” (Romans 6:1–2). Grace calls us higher, not deeper into compromise. When we truly encounter God, we cannot remain the same. Transformation is evidence that surrender has taken place.
The turning point in a believer’s life comes when the prayer changes from, “Lord, bless what I’m doing,” to “Lord, change me to align with Your will.” Jesus modeled this in the Garden of Gethsemane when He prayed, “Not My will, but Yours, be done” (Luke 22:42). That prayer led to the cross—but also to resurrection.
In the end, God is not seeking partial obedience or conditional faith. He desires hearts fully yielded to Him. When we stop insisting on our way and embrace His, we discover that God’s will—though sometimes difficult—is always better. True freedom is found not in getting God to agree with us, but in learning to joyfully agree with Him.
Scripture declares, “Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve” (Joshua 24:15). That choice is daily. It is made not just in church, but in private decisions, unseen moments, and lifestyle changes that cost us something. True discipleship always costs—but it also always leads to life.
God is not waiting for perfection; He is waiting for willingness. When we humble ourselves and surrender our will, He meets us with grace, power, and transformation. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). Forgiveness is available. Change is possible. Freedom is real.
Let today be the day we stop asking God to follow our plans and start asking Him to rule our hearts. Let us pray as Jesus prayed, “Not my will, but Yours be done.” When we release control, we discover that God’s will is not only right—it is good, pleasing, and perfect.
There’s no better time than now to start living as if it were your last day on earth. All you need is to take a moment to pray… Tell God you believe His Son, Jesus, paid for your sins and rose from the grave. Let Him know you’re sorry and want to live for Him. He will forgive your sins and mistakes, give you everlasting life with Him, and place His Spirit deep within your heart. 1 John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” and Romans 10:9 tells us, ”that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved;“ May God Bless you.
Bob
I thank you for reading my blog. I do not claim to be any expert or affiliated with any religious organization. All I can say is that I’m affiliated with my Lord Jesus Christ. This is one man’s opinion and observation. My hope is I stirred up some thoughts for you to think about. There is one place that we can find all the answers to life. That road map is Commonly known as the Bible. If you want the answers to life all you have to do is read. If you would like me to pray with you or want to send a comment, please email me at Bob.L@magnificentpromises.com
For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him shall not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16
