Lord if it be Thy Will.....
We hear and say these words often in the Body of Christ, but have you ever thought about them? Is there a deeper meaning than just implying that we are doing right or wrong?
I recall years ago that our bibles were called "The Last Will and Testament of Jesus Christ." It wasn't until years later I understood the gravity of it. While working with my mother's estate, I learned a lot about wills, estates and how one who is passing could make the process easier for those left behind. I learned that without a will, you leave major decisions to chance or in the power of someone else. I taught a lesson some years ago, named "I am in the Will" and this was the scripture base:
"In the case of a will, it is necessary to prove the death of the one who made it, because a will is enforced ONLY when somebody has died; it never takes effect while the one who made it is living." Heb 9:16-17
We understand that just because we are named in a will, nothing happens until the person who wrote us in dies. Since God Almighty couldn't die, He sent His Son Jesus to die for us so we could benefit from being in His will.
One of the first things that has to happen is for the person who is living to decide what they want to do, what they want to leave and who they want to leave it to. They may make stipulations to the will or may include some and not others, it is all up to the person The Testator. Jesus Christ left us a will written and enforced by the Holy Spirit! What He has said is legal and binding for us to receive what is written.
READING THE WILL
If most people knew they were named in a person's will, they would show up for the reading of that will. Why? Because they would want to know first hand what was said, and what was left to them. Yet.... many of us don't show up to hear the word of God that is being proclaimed as His will. Sunday after Sunday, we miss tidbits that remind us of what God planned to leave with us when Jesus died. We don't study for ourselves to understand it, and we often don't keep our end of it. Not keeping our end could be due to ignorance (not knowing) or rebellion. Sometimes the person who is reading it or preaching it has their own interest at heart, not yours. They may change what is written to appease the hearers, so that is why it is important to have your own copy of God's word. Read your own bible, get insight from God about what He has left for you and trust His Spirit to confirm it.
CONTESTING THE WILL
I remember with my mother's estate, they had an entry in case someone wanted to contest her will. If anyone decided to fight, sue or start acting ignorant and demanding something other than what was written... they would receive one dollar. When I saw that in my mother's will, I literally laughed out loud... that sounded JUST like her! No bickering or arguing when she was dead about what she said... you will do it or get almost nothing. We don't have a right to change or contest what God has said in His will. As much as we love people and would love to change some of what the bible says to accommodate those we love, we can't. His will is a legally binding agreement that is sealed by His death. That also means that we can't change the good things God has for us either, if He has plans to bless us, the only way we don't receive is that we don't meet the requirements of the will. That is not on God, but on us. By not choosing to acknowledge the will of God, you are allowing yourself to live in probate. That is a lengthy process that is costly and does not guarantee the desired results of the one who died.
ENFORCING THE WILL
When you know that you are in the will and you know what has been set aside for you, you don't walk away when difficulties come! You stand because you know it is your RIGHT as a beneficiary. Which of you would walk away from something that someone who loves you left for you just because the process was outside your comfort zone, or it required you to do something?
WHAT IS IN THE WILL?
God's will includes joy unspeakable, peace that passes understanding, healing and health, comfort in sorry, hope and a future. His will includes purpose and favor, His grace to help you to will and do His good pleasure; insight and direction, revelation and knowledge, the ability to love your enemies, strength to fight temptation. His will includes provision and promise, more than enough, hidden riches and friends that stick closer than brothers. His will provides promotion in front of your enemies, the ability to not fear when walking through dark valleys; His will provides people for your life to sharpen you, encourage you, rebuke you and support you. There is ultimately a mansion prepared for us, a new heaven, new earth and a glorified body that does not grow old and will never see sickness or death ever again. The Holy Spirit is the Executor of the will to guide you into all truth, to cover you, protect you and see that His will is enforced in your life. He also has the ability to adjust how you receive according to the heart of the one He serves, which is God. So much more is provided in God's will. Which leaves us with one more question.....
ARE YOU IN GOD'S WILL?
Being in God's will is not as simple as walking in your purpose, you can be unsaved and do a portion of that. Though is it right to be nice and love people, anyone can do that too. Being in His will means you have accepted Him as your Lord and Savior and you are now part of God's Family. Not just God's creation. When you are related to God, you are in His will. You are in the will because God is your father and you have not left yourself fatherless in this world. Everything after that is a work in motion... The Holy Spirit works in us to will and do God's good pleasure.
Jesus Christ died on the cross and that is when His will was still put in effect. The Last Will and Testament of Jesus Christ holds everything that God has provided for you as His child. So everything He has written in His word is legally yours, if you are His.
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