A Yes in Your Will

“If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.” — John 7:17 (KJV)

Meyer’s second step is that our will must be surrendered.

Jesus said, “If any man will do his will, he shall know.” In other words, if you’re willing to do whatever God says, you will be able to recognise what he’s saying. But if, deep down, you have already decided what you want, it is very hard to hear God.

Meyer says there is often “a secret controversy between our will and God’s”. We ask God to show us his will, but secretly we are hoping he will agree with ours.

Then Meyer makes an important distinction:

“There is all the difference between a will which is extinguished and one which is surrendered.”

God doesn’t want to crush your will, so that you become like a robot. He made you with a will, with desires, choices and personality. He only asks that your will says “Yes” to him. Meyer compares it to a willow twig, which bends easily in a skilled hand but is still alive and strong.

He describes watching a boy on a steamer as it came into port. The boy stood with his eye and ear fixed on the captain, ready to shout each order down to the engineers below. Meyer says he longed for his own will to pass on God’s will as quickly and accurately as that.

And then he gives the advice that came out of his own experience:

“If you cannot give, let Him take. If you are not willing, confess that you are willing to be made willing.”

This is really freeing. You don’t have to manufacture a perfect, surrendered heart before God will help you. Just tell him the truth: “I’m not there yet, but I want to be. Make me willing.” He will do it.

One thing to do this week: before you pray about a decision this week, pray this first: “Lord, I’m willing to do whatever you show me. And where I’m not willing, make me willing.” Then listen.