Echo of Satan's Rebellion

Before the fall of Satan, there was but one will in the universe—God’s will. Dr. Donald Grey Barnhouse explores this idea in his book, The Invisible War:

 “The quality of eternity is the fact that there is but one will—the will of God. Then all was holy, all was righteous: there was no evil whatsoever.” But then a second will came into the universe, “rising from the heart of Lucifer … In addition to the voice of God, there was now a second voice saying: ‘I will.’ ”

We echo the rebellion of Satan when we choose our own way instead of God’s way, when we exert our will over God’s will. Each time we claim our “rights” and fail to submit to the perfect will of our marvelous Creator and Savior, we cause discord, pain, and guilt. The only means to bring peace and joy back into our lives and to this fallen world is to crucify our will by surrendering our fleshly desires and our stubborn pride to the Lord. We must say as Jesus said to His Father, “Your will be done” (Matthew 26:42).

In contrast, we often demand our rights from our government, our family, and our church as we pursue our own selfish desires. Instead, we should follow the example of our Savior and commit ourselves to “do the will of God.”

When Vonette and I were first married, we each made a list of our hopes for the future. Vonette’s list included children, good health, a nice home, and other blessings. As I began to write, I became overwhelmed with the desire to offer everything to my amazing Lord who gave me my wife, my salvation, and my very life. Together, Vonette and I surrendered our belongings, our dreams, ourselves, and everything we had and would ever have to God. Following Christ’s example of obedience to His loving Father, we signed that contract and committed ourselves to be slaves of Jesus. As I look back on my life, that act of making a contract with God—of surrendering myself to Him—is the most significant event of my life. It determined everything that I have done through the years.

As slaves of Christ, do the will of God with all your heart. (Ephesians 6:6)

Today’s application: Make a list of all your long-term hopes and desires.  Now lay them at the cross and simply ask God to have His way in your life.  Tell Him, “Not my will, but your will be done in my life.”  He may use some of your plans and He may not.

By Bill Bright

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