Immersed

Lately I’ve thought a lot about Jesus’ words as He prayed that final prayer recorded for us: “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” (Luke 22:42 NIV)

I think we sometimes add that on to the end of a heartfelt prayer almost like insurance. But I think if we were being real with ourselves, what we want to add on is: ‘my way this time, ok?’ It takes a lifetime of work in us for God to get us to the point we are really praying His will, not ours. (At least for me, I’ve come to the realization it’s taken all these years to pry my fingers open and want His perfect will without my extra input.)

It’s just that we are so…human. The Bible says made in His image, not made to be God. Though we reflect Him once we know Jesus as Savior, the truth is we are His creation. And so, we pray for what we see, forgetting He sees tomorrow.

Last night as I pondered wanting to move to that place where I truly want God’s will more than my own, I realized it’s not a one and done thing. I can have head knowledge that His will is best; I can have a calm heart knowing His will is best – right now.

What about when the emergency happens? When life changes from what it was just hours ago, to what it will be going forward? Things like: a sick child, a car wreck, a job loss, serious health issues.

They say the best way to learn a foreign language is immersion, “a process that goes beyond learning a language. It is an educational approach that involves complete immersion, surrounded by native speakers and everyday situations.” Hmm, sounds like what the Bible actually call us to.

We need to read God’s Word daily, soak ourselves in it. Not only that, but let songs of praise and worship be what is on replay in our heads. Read what Christian authors have experienced and learned. Be in Bible study with others. Immersed.

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:2 NIV) Let’s pray what is on our hearts, no holding back, but pray knowing His will is perfect and even though it hurts now, He will make all things beautiful in His timing.