Sitting at the stop light I notice a sign at a hamburger chain that boldly states: “Have it your way.”
The thought came to mind, perhaps led of the Spirit, perhaps by personal introspect, that sometimes, I have a burger attitude toward God.
I want God’s blessings in my life; I want His protection and direction. BUT, I want it on my own terms, I want it MY way. Oddly, this attitude is not even noticed at the time I have it. I simply—pray–in Jesus’ name, of course.
God created me, He sent His son to walk as a man so that He has full understanding of everything I face in my lifetime. Jesus was tempted in every way that I can be tempted, but Jesus didn’t sin (Hebrews 4:15).
As a human, Jesus had the option of doing things “His way” or God’s way. (Luke 22:39-42) Reading the scripture, I realize that Jesus, having walked on earth as a man, understands how tempting it is to opt for the easy way, “my way,” instead of God’s way.
Scripture also reveals that, when faced with the immediate relief of doing things the flesh way instead of the God way, Jesus told God about it; He CRIED OUT. He was in agony, recognized the temptation and instead of crumbling, He looked to God for strength. (Luke 22:41-44)
The “God’s way” decision was a choice for the son of God, just as it is a choice for me, now. This gives me new understanding of why Jesus prayed till His sweat was as blood *{see foot note} (Luke 22:44) on the night he was arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane. The task of willful obedience, in knowledge of the price that was to be paid, was so difficult, that Jesus cried out, “if POSSIBLE, let this cup pass from me.” (Matthew 26:39)
Looking back over my life, I realize that the times I stepped out of God’s will, it wasn’t intentional; it was in desperation. Brought by my own humanity and the circumstances of life to a point of testing (James 1:13-14), instead of crying out to God for help and strength, I crumbled and gave into ‘my way.’
God’s Word tells me that even when I slip and step over the line doing things in the flesh; God is faithful to show me how to return to His way (I John 1:9). The Holy Spirit gives me the mind of Christ so I can understand the pain that going my own way can cause to both my Lord and those around me.
Whenever I’m faced with the decision of having life ‘my way’ or God’s way, I need to cry out to God and with the help of the Holy Spirit, I will choose God’s way. Jesus was in flesh, fully man, yet fully God, He had choices that had to be made, as a human, difficult choices. I want to remember this when I struggle to make the “God’s way” choice—Jesus knows the struggle–and the joy of obedience; He understands when I cry out for strength. I’m not alone.
I Corinthians 2:14-16 The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. The spiritual person judges all things, but is himself to be judged by no one. “For who has understood the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?” But we have the mind of Christ.
Prayer: Father, help me to be sensitive to your Spirit. I realize that my life choices are made by me. Show me the direction you would have me to take. I love you and I trust you. Amen.
Scripture References:
Hebrews 4:15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.
Luke 22:39-42 Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him. On reaching the place, he said to them, “Pray that you will not fall into temptation.” He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.”
Luke 22:41-44 He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.
Matthew 26:39 Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”
James 1:13-14 When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed.
I John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
*Footnote: Hematidrosis is a rare, medical condition where a person’s sweat will contain blood. The sweat glands are surrounded by tiny blood vessels. These vessels can constrict and then dilate to the point of rupture where the blood will then effuse into the sweat glands. Its cause—extreme anguish.