NOT MY WILL, BUT YOURS BE DONE
- Key Verse
- “Is not your piety (fear) your confidence, and blameless ways your hope?” (Job 4:6)
READ THE CHAPTER
Central Truth
In times of uncertainty, remember our Father formed the heavens and the earth out of nothing. When we trust Him, He promises: "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you" (Hebrews 13:5). He desires us to draw close, and when we do, His Spirit will remove all fear.
Reflections
My bride, Debra, and I tried for several years to conceive our first child with little “positive” outcomes. This was an emotional and spiritual roller coaster that was definitely not a thrill ride. We felt betrayed and punished because we could not get pregnant and feared this would never become a reality.At this time in our life, we were very involved in our church and our relationship with Christ was at an all time high. Prideful in our thinking, we believed that we deserved a child. We both questioned God, our spirituality, and what His plans were for us. After three years of countless procedures and one miscarriage, we finally learned God’s timing is perfect and let go of our timing. Once we surrendered our plans for His, the peace we felt was unexplainable. Shortly after, on a trip to Italy, we found out we were pregnant. We praised God and once again were reminded that He is able to do more than we can ever imagine, in good times and bad.
During this difficult time, Debra and I both held to Hebrews 13:5, which says, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." I am not comparing our experience to Job’s situation; however, I do believe words of encouragement such as those Eliphaz gave to Job is critically important in our spiritual journey. During this trial, we were surrounded by our modern day Eliphazes who encouraged and reminded us of God’s truths, which gave us strength to continue on our journey. We no longer had a reason to doubt God’s ability.
The unknown was scary and made us feel out of control, but as we prayed for answers and sought spirit-filled counsel, we understood there was only one true solution to our fear. We chose to love the Lord with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, believing our fear would be eliminated. Let’s pray and live each day with the surrender demonstrated by Christ, “Father…not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42).
Discussion Questions
- Do you allow fear to control your motives and actions, or do you allow God’s love and grace to guide your every path?
- Are you a modern day Eliphaz? Do you offer hope, encouragement and supplication for others? If so, when was the last time? If not, pray and ask God to reveal a person in need.
- List three areas in your life where you fear uncertainty and pray for spiritual guidance, protection and healing. Ask Him to prove to you how He will NEVER leave you nor forsake you.
Comments
The views expressed under “Comments” are solely
those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Hill Country Bible Church NW.
Mark Sutton
March 4, 2010 05:39 AM
David, Thanks for the devotion. I am learning tke more I seek God the more I can surrender my expectations to him, leaving room for him work in me. One definition of Fear I have found useful is False Evidence Appearing Real.
Chip Smith
March 4, 2010 07:05 AM
David, I went through the same ordeal for 5 years as you did. When I finally let go and rested in God's will, God brought our adopted son, Ryan to us. Five months later, Diana became pregnant. Well, we are in the thick of it with Job now, aren't we? I will admit, I am a little unsure of Eliphaz's words of encouragement, especially verses 8 and 17. The book of Job starts out with the premise that Job is blameless, which is reaffirmed by God Himself (Job 1). Yet, it seems that Eliphaz is insinuating otherwise. Your transparency that your pride in good deeds caused you to feel God owed you a child is exactly what Eliphaz is setting up as Job's sin (vs. 1-6). If, however, we see Job as a snapshot of every believers position in Christ. That in Christ, we are blameless before God, then Eliphaz's next words (vs. 7-21), are misleading. God is not against Job but loves him deeply. Satan, however, will whisper to us in our weakest moments and say, "Who are you to expect God would care for you?" There is just enough truth in Eliphaz's words to make his encouragement seem all good. I think sticking to Hebrews 13:5 as you and Debra did, a much better encouragement. Have a blessed day.
David Skeen
March 4, 2010 08:33 AM
Eliphaz argues based on the law of reaping: usually, a person reaps what he sows. In Job 5 Eliphaz mentions God's discipline, that God brings hardship into our lives for our good. Eliphaz does not consider that God was acting for his glory and for our instruction (cf John 9:3). There are times when we suffer, and God is using our situation in ways we may not realize in this world.
norma harais
March 4, 2010 09:13 AM
David, great devotional -- appreciated your story of living with the fear of possibly never having children. Yet you were reminded of waiting on the Lord and He will give you peace..."Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7
randy
March 4, 2010 10:30 AM
thank you David for today's devo... Not my will, but Yours be done has been my prayer over the last week as I have battled through some unknown medical stuff, and am praising God for seeing me through. This just served up another good reminder to me about Who is in control.