The Best Ideas Come from Him
ICS Daily Devotions
1 John 5:14-15 (NKJV) Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.
It is our responsibility to seek out the plan of God for our lives by making sure that what we pursue is both a good idea and God’s idea. He is the Lord of our lives and we must pursue and execute God’s idea.
Not every idea is God’s idea. Therefore, it’s imperative to consecrate our plan, idea and dream to Him. If we are confident that it is God’s idea, God will pay and bless it, but if it is our idea without consecration, we will need to fund it ourselves! What gives substance to our faith is when we know with confidence that we are walking in something that He has called us to and endorsed. Nonetheless, it doesn’t mean it will be a bed of roses when we walk in the perfect will of God. However, we can be assured He hears us and will give us our petition according to His will.
How do we know whether something is the will of God? In the Lord’s prayer, Jesus taught us to pray for the Father’s will to be done on earth as it is in Heaven. There is a heavenly plan for everyone, and He is the master craftsman who has created us with different talents and gifts, and allowed us to be developed differently for a purpose. A prayer of consecration is a prayer seeking the will of God, but it can be a struggle for many Christians because it deals with the Lordship of Christ in our lives.
Matthew 26:39 (NKJV) Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.
Jesus’ soul was overwhelmed with sorrow, knowing what He would have to go through. Yet, Jesus submitted to God by praying for the Father’s will to be done. He came into the garden with two wills but left with one—the will of the Father. It is choosing to be yoked with God and allowing Him to be the stronger partner in our lives. Although righteousness is imputed to us, sanctification and consecration are a lifelong process with such hindrances as pride, doubts, fear of the unknown, losing control of life and not knowing the goodness of God.
Jesus’ life was a culmination of consecration. It is dying to our flesh to not do what we want but follow God’s plan for our lives. Not only is this lifestyle a form of protection, but it also leads to joy, satisfaction of the soul and contentment of the spirit. The best ideas come from God.
Sermon Series: A Firm Footing
