Surrendering To God’s Will

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

“And He went a little farther, and fell on His face, and prayed.”

Matthew 26:39

Surrendering to God’s will is not always easy. Jesus was now facing His most challenging time, and He wanted His disciples with Him to encourage Him. He left eight of His eleven disciples at the entrance to the Garden of Gethsemane. Then He, along with Peter, James, and John, entered the garden. They were His three favorite disciples. But then He withdrew from them to pray alone. There comes a time when we must be in solitary prayer, especially in times of trial. This personal connection with God is crucial, as family, social, and congregational prayer will not suffice in challenging moments.

It was not the fear of death that made Jesus agonize in the Garden. He did not fear death. Instead, He faced it with unparalleled courage and peace. Jesus, surrendering to God’s will, knew He was about to “drink the cup” His Father had prepared for Him. This meant that He would bear the sins of the world in His body. Jesus willingly drank this cup for us.

Yield Your Will

Jesus was not wrestling with or resisting God’s will. He was yielding to His will. To yield to God’s will means to submit to His plans and purposes, even when difficult or painful. Jesus, as the perfect Son of God, never experienced the burden of sin. His soul was troubled. He knew that this was why He had come into the world. He came to fulfill God’s will and bring salvation to humanity.

Matthew says He “fell on His face.” The idea here is that Jesus humbled Himself before God. This form of humility is the lowest form of submission. Sometimes, when we pray, we should lie prostrate before God. When we humble ourselves before God, He will exalt us at the right time (1 Peter 5:6).

In the end, Jesus resigned His will. He prayed, “Nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.” Jesus put His life into God’s hands. He knew it was the right thing to do. Therefore, when life appears unclear, be determined to let God have His way. God is your Heavenly Father, and He loves you dearly. God loves you enough to send His Son to die for you. If you are willing, surrender to God all of your anxiety. Surrender your stress and anything that troubles you. He will work it out for your good.

Heavenly Father, today, I surrender my will to You. Throughout the day, I will surrender my anxiety, fear, doubt, and uncertainties to You.