My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not my will, but as you will. (Matthew 26:39)
That prayer seems easier said than done.
I pray that prayer quite often but I wish God’s will was more clear. I wish God would send an airplane with a large banner trailing behind with a message. I wish God would send a postcard that clearly states what he wants me to do. I would even be O.K. with God sending an ass to talk to me (then Balaam and I could be kindred spirits). But God usually does not work that way (and I had better say "usually" because with my luck an ass will show up at my front door tomorrow).
I know God has a special plan for my life. I know it was God’s will for Connie and I to get married. I know God has called me to write this blog. I know God called me to Jackson three years ago and I know that someday God will call me away from Jackson.
There have also been times in my life when I did not want to answer God’s call. My will seemed much better. My will seemed easier and less painful. My will seemed to be more fun. And in those times if God did send an ass to talk to me it might have been easier to follow God (or at least it would have "sent me away" for a while). But then where would I be today?
I think that maybe it is the process that we really need. How would we learn and grow if God did send that postcard? How would we learn from our mistakes if that godly airplane flew overhead? Maybe, just maybe we need the process to help us see God’s action in our lives and for us to experience first hand God’s faithfulness.
So I guess I will continue to pray this prayer, "…yet not my will, but as You will…" and enjoy the ride; trusting that God will provide what is best for my life.
God is faithful. God is true. God is wonderful and God is love. Be patient — God WILL come through for us.
Thanks be to God through our Lord Jesus Christ and Amen!
-edh-
The Heart of a Pastor 
How true it is. We only see part of the plan and the hard part is to remember the character of the one who makes all the promises for us.
Pax.
Good post. It’s a conversation that I have occasionally with youth — but they aren’t yet at the “depth” of what God’s will is…for their lives
I lead a Sunday School class last fall using Leslie Weatherhead’s small book The Will of God as a guide. That was a great experience as we talked about how we as humans, try to discern the will of God. It’s fune and enriching to hear what others think is or is not God’s will.
The topic of God’s will has always been a popular one. I can’t even count how many times I have heard people ask “what does God want?” or “what should I do with my life?” or similar questions. I think youth ask questions like this but not usually in connection to God’s will. I think they know there is grand plan for them somewhere. The problem is discovering it. As it is with all of us.
“The Will of God” sounds interesting. I will be sure to check that book out. Thanks for the suggestion.
And thanks for the comments. God bless.
Eric