We are a lot like children when it comes to doing the will of our heavenly Father.  Have you noticed that the first word some babies learn is “No!”  From the beginning of life, humans face decisions of right and wrong, trying always to temper traditional ideas with “what is best for ME!”  Children do not generally seek school of their own volition, they need guidance and assurance.

The 12 apostles began their spiritual lives as 12 disciples, not knowing, understanding or always obeying the principles of the Christ-life.  A disciple is a student, one who learns the ways of his teacher-guide and eventually (hopefully) becomes capable like his teacher. Jesus said: “A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is perfectly trained will be like his teacher,” Luke 6:40.  Gradually, the 12 disciples advanced to become the 12 apostles, men who respected and absorbed the example and life-style of their Master, finally discovering how to seek and do the will of God: they learned to pray Jesus’ prayer -- “Your will be done…on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10).

One of Jesus’ first followers was John, later writing an account of the deeper dimensions of his Master’s life.  He records that on one day Jesus went into Samaria, making a very uncomfortable situation for His prejudiced followers.  They came to a well, where Jesus remained while his disciples went into town for food.  When they had gone, a Samaritan woman came to draw water, engaging in conversation with Jesus. The returning disciples found the Master not only talking to a woman, but a Samaritan woman at that!  They were concerned about his need for food, but Jesus gave this astounding statement: “My nourishment [that is, food] comes from doing the will of God, who sent me, and from finishing his work” (4:34, NLT).  Explaining the kingdom of God to a low caste person was God’s will for Him at that moment, bringing spiritual uplift and nourishment that met His deepest needs while ministering to her as well.

It will take time, but the goal of your spiritual life is to be like Jesus, to follow in His footsteps and do His will.  Somehow, wonderfully, your will and way merge gradually into God’s will and way, and you will begin to function in conformity to His prescribed rules for successful living.  These rules are found in the Bible.  The Holy Spirit will help you make daily application of Bible truth.  To do God’s will is to do things as God wants you to do them. “And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever,” 1 John 2:17 (NKJ).

Usually, I do not overload my blog with Scripture, but such great statements are made about this subject that I wish to include some references.  They will inspire your praying tremendously:  Matthew 7:21; 12:50; 21:31; Mark 3:35; Luke 11:28; John 4:34; 5:30; 6:38; 17:17; 19:30; Romans 12:2; Ephesians 5:17; Colossians 1:9; 1 Thessalonians 4:3; Hebrews 10:9, 36; 13:21; 1 Peter 4:2; 1 John 5:14; Psalm 40:7, 8; 50:23.

Next Blog: Prayer for Our Daily Bread