I believe submitting to God’s plan for your life is challenging for every believer. The Lord created us with free will, and we have the freedom to choose our will or His. Not only is submitting to God’s plan for your life difficult, but it is an ongoing battle. I may choose the right path today, but tomorrow I may choose my own plan. We need the help of the Holy Spirit and continuous prayer to move forward. We can ask the Lord’s help for the strength to follow His plans for us.
Jesus Submits to God’s Plan for His Life
In our story, Jesus is in the last part of His ministry. Mark 11:1As Jesus and his disciples approached Jerusalem. They came to the towns of Bethphage and Bethany on the Mount of Olives. Jesus sent two of them on ahead.[1] Jesus knew that the cross awaited Him in Jerusalem. There He would die for the sins of all humankind. Jesus knew the suffering ahead and yet faithfully obeyed His Father and traveled to Jerusalem for the last time.
Jesus Gives Peace
The meaning of Jerusalem is quite astonishing. The core word in this name is “shalem,” which means completeness and wholeness. The word shalom peace comes from this word because peace depends on both completeness and wholeness. [2]
Jesus’ death on the cross for our sins would bring great pain to Him but peace to us. Isaiah 53:5 But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. [3] If you are seeking peace today, turn to Jesus in faith. If you don’t know Him as your Savior, He is calling you right now so you can enjoy the peace only He can give you.
God’s Plans are Always Better
Our plans always seem to be better in the short term because they are our desires, and we don’t see where our goals will lead. To follow the Lord’s plans, we must submit to His will and trust He has the best for us. People worldwide are searching for fulfillment. Plans apart from the Lord have a common thread of emptiness and selfishness. The Lord’s plans may not be easy, but they bring fulfillment by making a difference in the lives of others and ourselves.
God’s plans take the rough edges off our selfishness and give us new eyes to see those around us. The Lord wants to use you to make a difference in the lives of those around you. What a great thought! Matthew 6:33Seek the Kingdom of God above all else and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. [4]
To hear more about submitting to God’s plan for your life, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/mark-ride-on-king-jesus
[1,4] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Tyndale House Publishers.
[2] https://hebrew.jerusalemprayerteam.org/jerusalem/
[3] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Is 53:5). (2016). Crossway Bibles.