Praying for God’s Will in Our Lives – By Brent Engelman

Have you ever paused to reflect on the sheer discipline, humility, and faith it takes to surrender completely to God’s will? As believers, we are called not only to seek God’s will but to align our hearts fully with it, even when it challenges us or calls us into the unknown.

Mary’s response to the angel Gabriel in Luke 1:38 (NIV) inspires us: “I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled.” Despite the uncertainty and unimaginable responsibility of bearing the Savior of the world, Mary humbly submitted, trusting fully in God’s plan.

And Jesus, in His darkest hour, gave us the ultimate example of surrender in the Garden of Gethsemane. As He faced the cross, He prayed in Luke 22:42(NIV) : “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” This wasn’t just a prayer of acceptance but one of unwavering obedience and trust in God’s perfect plan.

Throughout Scripture, we see examples of this radical trust:

• Abraham was willing to sacrifice his son Isaac, trusting that God’s will was greater than his understanding (Genesis 22).

• Job declared in the midst of his suffering, “The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord” (Job 1:21 NKJV), showing his unshakable faith in God’s sovereignty.

• Paul prayed and lived with the singular purpose of glorifying God, saying, “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21).

Surrendering to God’s will isn’t always easy. It requires faith to trust Him, humility to let go of our plans, and courage to embrace His calling. Yet, in doing so, we find peace, purpose, and His abundant grace.
Today, let us pray with open hearts:
“Father, not my will, but Yours be done. Teach me to trust in Your plan for my life, even when I don’t understand it. Help me to seek only Your will and to walk in obedience to Your calling. Amen.”
May we all grow in the discipline and faith to embrace God’s will with the same humble spirit as Mary, Jesus, and so many faithful servants before us.