We have three options for how we can live our lives:
The first is in relationship with God from a place of intimacy. Here, we are transparent and honest with God. We serve Him with a willing spirit, eager to do His will.
The second is from a place of stubbornness, always pushing against the goads, resisting any good God wants to do in our lives.
The third is from a place of ignorance, oblivious to the cultural influences that dictate our words and actions. We mistakenly believe we are in control of our own lives while another leads us with bit and bridle.
God doesn’t want to fight and pull to get us to live for Him. Nor is He content to keep us as compliant subservients who have no real relationship with Him. The only real option is to walk with God in the context of a personal and intimate relationship.
Where do you see yourself today? This is an important question to answer honestly if you are ever going to buck the hidden influences that keep you from being truly free and living completely surrendered to God to carry out His will and not your own.
Pray this prayer every day—when you wake up and when you lay down at night:
“Lord, give me a willing spirit! Not my will, but Yours be done.”
“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.”
―Psalm 51:10-12
Series Links:
- Don’t Be a Donkey (Psalm 32) | Watch the message and use the study guide to learn what the Bible says about it.
- A Steadfast and Willing Spirit (Psalm 51, part 1) | Watch the message and use the study guide to learn what the Bible says about it.
- Kick Against the Goads (Psalm 51, part 2) | Watch the message and use the study guide to learn what the Bible says about it.
- The Reluctant Fisherman (Jonah, part 1) | Watch the message and use the study guide to learn what the Bible says about it.
- The Angry Fisherman (Jonah, part 2) | Watch the message and use the study guide to learn what the Bible says about it.
- The Man with a Different Spirit (Numbers 13) | Watch the message and use the study guide to learn what the Bible says about it.
- The Willing Servant (Matthew 26) | Watch the message and use the study guide to learn what the Bible says about it.
Share your thoughts and takeaways here!
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