January 9

Going a little farther, He fell facedown and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me. Yet not as I will, but as You will.” — Matt 26:39 BSB

For it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good purpose. — Phil 2:13 BSB

There are two ways we must give our will to God.

First, we need to have a surrendered will. This is where it all begins—by yielding our natural will to God and allowing Him to take control.

Next, He wants us to have a victorious will. Once we’ve honestly surrendered our will to Him, He wants to empower it and make it stronger for His purposes. From then on, it’s not our will but His will working through us. Having chosen to submit to His guidance, He strengthens our will with the power and intensity of His own great will, making us strong, victorious, and unmovable like Him. “Not My will, but Yours be done”—that’s the first step. “Father, I want those You’ve given Me to be with Me”—that’s the second attitude. Both are divine, both are right, and both are necessary for living a godly life and working effectively for God.