Will and Power

By: Elizabeth Haarberg

Will Power

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

Hmmm…the subject of willpower is an interesting one. We use this term to imply whether we have IT, it being willpower, or not in certain areas and whether we can employ willpower in the area of struggle. Then there is God’s will and power.

How do all of these things fit together?

“If anyone’s will is to do God’s will, he will know whether the teaching is from God or whether I am speaking on my own authority.”
John 7:17 English Standard Version

When our will bends to God’s will, the combination is a beautiful explosion of two worlds, heaven and Earth. God’s will BECOMES ours and we, in turn, become His hands and feet.

“I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”
Philippians 4:13 English Standard Version

When our will is not in line with God…

For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot. Romans 8:7 English Standard Version

God’s will, will be done. We might as well align with Him in his vision. Let me repeat, God’s will, will be done.

“Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”
Matthew 6:10 English Standard Version

Our power is insufficient compared to God’s. In fact, we only have a will and power because God grants us the privilege. Every good gift we have comes from God.

We have no willpower apart from God. He is why we have the will to sustain and the power to continue through the hard situations of life. Once we understand that he is the very sustenance of life, we can begin to grasp that his power and will are why we think we can overcome something.

“All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made.”
John 1:3 English Standard Version

Surrendering to God’s will will allow us to submit our will to Him so the two can combine. This is how we truly overcome any obstacle.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado

About Elizabeth Haarberg

Elizabeth Williams Haarberg lives in Kearney, Nebraska with her husband and four children. She has lived in many places but has found her true home with God.