Willing to be willing

[DaveM1936]

All my life as an SDA I have heard this saying: "We need to be willing to be willing." It usually follows a question like this: "How do I surrender to Christ?"

I have never understood what this being willing business is all about. I would welcome your comments.

Dave M

[Taylor]

Again...I know this sounds like a broken record but read Max Lucado's book "In the Grip of Grace" I think it will answere a lot of your questions.

[Clio]

WIlling to be willing is simple, Dave. Sometimes so simple I miss the boat entirely.

Let me see if I can put it into words.

Maybe an example.

My husband is very ill, and can be very demanding. There are days when I just don't "feel" like being the sole support of the family, the sole nurturer, nor do I "feel" like being nice. But I do know this is what Jesus has planned for me "right now".

This morning I woke up not feeling like being willing to go where He sends me today, but I always choose Jesus. This morning my morning prayer went something like this:

Jesus, Good morning! I really don't feel compassionate, or willing to go on Your errands today. But I love You. So, give me Your heart towards those I serve today. Give me Your love and patience today. I bind my heart to Your heart today, and I loose from myself all resentment, rebellion, and stubbornness that could keep me from following You in all things today."

Amen.

I'm not willing right at this moment, but I AM willing to be made willing. I choose Jesus, His promises of Joy, an easy yoke and light burden, and I know He never lies... so ... no matter how I'm feeling, willing or not willing, it's irrelevant. Just that no matter how I'm "feeling" I'm willing to be whatever HE wants me to be.

It's a choice, not an accidental feeling.

Clio

[archierieus]

Indeed, a most important question. I understand the experience of salvation to work like this: Jesus draws us to Himself (Jn. 12:32) As we behold Jesus, we see our own sinfulness and the need of a change in our life. This leads us to contemplate the step of repentance. Repentance may not come easily. Our own wlll is to do our own way and to enjoy the sinful world--and to justify ourselves in doing so. But, now we know there is a better way, Jesus' way. We want to turn away from the world, but human nature resists such a move. We need God's help to be willing to choose to renounce sin, and follow Jesus--to place our all on the altar, to turn away from sin in our hearts. And, as we pray for God's help, God has promised to work with our will, so that we "will and do" His will. There is, of course, one more most important step. Yes, we choose to repent, but then we must choose to accept Jesus as our Savior. That, also, is an act of the will, just as repentance is. There, too, we need God's help. Human nature is self-reliant, and does not easily admit that we need a Savior. We can pray for God to help us to be willing to accept Jesus as our Savior. And, God delights to do so. After we have accepted Jesus, and we are born again, we will stlll face temptations and evil desires. Once again, the war between the corrupt human nature, and Jesus' way. Once again, we need to pray for God's help to make us willing to accept and follow His will in our lives--and, to help us be willing to accept new Bible truths as He reveals them to us from His Word.

Sincerely, Dave