“For you are a holy people to the LORD your God, and the LORD has chosen you to be a people for Himself, a special treasure above all the peoples who are on the face of the earth.” Deuteronomy 14:2

God’s Will

I was recently reading in 1 Samuel 8 about how God’s chosen people, the Israelites, were demanding an earthly king. “Nevertheless the people refused to obey the voice of Samuel; and they said, ‘No, but we will have a king over us, that we also may be like all the nations, and that our king may judge us and go out before us and fight our battles’” (1 Samuel 8:19-20). It struck me how much we really do act like children. I am sure all of you have heard a child demand something they want, and in many cases they use the words “but everyone else has ___________ and I want it too!” 

We also do this as adults—except we convey our desires in a more acceptable way. Some would call it “keeping up with the Joneses.” When we pray, is it a list of what we want God to do for us—and how we want it to happen? Or do we humbly submit our prayers to God and say “not my will but Yours be done” (Luke 22:42b)? Do we really want God’s will, or do we just want what we want? 

I have learned from many years of Bible study and prayer that God’s ways really are the best for me. It may not be what I want at the time or I may have prayers that seemingly go unanswered—and then a sweet blessing will be put in my path. I am truly convinced that God knows the details that I just don’t have a clue about. He may be working in someone else’s life before revealing to me something I have diligently prayed for. 

Unlike the Israelites who had seen God’s hand of protection over them, heard the stories of God’s people being freed from slavery in Egypt, and God’s many miracles bringing them into the promised land and being their protector and King, I choose to remember all the times God has protected me, provided for me and loved me unconditionally. He knows what is best for me.

Romans 12:2a says, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

Lord, I know You have chosen me, I am a special treasure to You, and You desire for me to be holy. I can only do this with You, Lord. I chose You to be the King of my life. Amen.