Jesus explained: “My nourishment comes from doing the will of God, who sent me, and from finishing his work.”- John 4:34
In Chapter 5 (“May Your Will Be Done on Earth: Respond Like Jesus”) of The Wall Around Your Heart, author Mary DeMuth begins by admitting that when she’s happy and content with her life on earth, she has a tendency to resist God’s will happening in her life. She prefers her own way and her comfortable existence:
“I like a manageable life, a tame God, and zero change because in that state I can do what I please, not having to rely on supernatural strength. Sometimes I deify my small strength and prefer it to God’s . . . . On this earth, I want harmony. And I want it now.”
Yet, Mary notes, Jesus asks us to be patient. While harmony often is not realized on this earth, Jesus can bring harmony to our hearts in the midst of the current tension precipitated by our ministry downsizing or vocation loss. Although God’s kingdom may not enter the hearts of others in the manner we choose or would like, we maintain steadfast trust that Jesus will enliven the kingdom from within us.
Mary emphasizes that Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of the prayer “Thy will be done on earth.” Our true, lasting, and foundational existence comes from “fearless obedience and simple yeses” to the Father’s will, giving us a “winsome desire to do things utterly outside the box.”
Today’s question: How has your vocation loss provided God-ordained opportunities to revision and revitalize outside the box? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Jesus’ navigation plan”