Pearls from the Cross 80

It is easy when everything in life is good and perfect according to our own will and desire. But in John chapter 12, verse 27, we can see Jesus saying the following: "Now my heart is troubled- and what shall I say, 'Father, do not let this hour come upon me'? But that is why I came- so that I might go through this hour of suffering." Here we can see Jesus Christ, the son of God (God himself), compelling himself to submit to the will of God the Father. His heart is troubled; he dreaded the hour coming towards Him. He compels himself to go towards the death on the cross (taking the burden of sin and undergoing the separation from Father God).In verse 28, Jesus says, "Father, bring glory to your name." (By doing God's will, he brings glory to Him.) Then a voice spoke from heaven, "I have brought glory to it and I will do so again."

"Anagkazo" is a Greek word which means "to compel." When we find ourselves struggling to do God's will, we have to seek the help of the spirit to give us the "anagkazo" obedience. It's the force which turns our stubborn self-will and helps us to do God's will. We might dread to take the decision, obedience unto God but against our own wish. But pray that the "anagkazo" force helps you to do His will over every desire of yours. It will bring many to God. Often when we do as per our wish or lust and call it God's will, we only satisfy ourselves. We may try to persuade a few to believe it also. But only when we submit ourselves and do the perfect will of God, we can bring Glory to God's name. If we are so believing in the rules of the world in following our heart, we can never be someone who brings Glory to the name of the Lord as Jesus did. When we carry the cross, the will that is of God for us in pain, loss, trouble, and in suffering, we become someone who carries His glory. In 2 Corinthians chapter 3, verse 18 says, "That same glory, coming from the Lord, who is the spirit, transforms us into his likeness in an ever greater degree of Glory."Hey friend, submit yourself to do His will. May Jesus fill your heart, reside in you as you carry out His will through your life. May you carry His glory.

Dear God, we seek your help in making us submit to your will. Help us to carry our cross, help us to do your perfect will like you did. May we always remember by doing so we bring you glory. In Jesus' name we pray.