If I am a mist....

God so often asks me the question, "What are you doing today that is real?" What am I doing today that will have an eternal impact? Many times I let that question lead me to guilt about some things I have done, but I don't let the guilt finish it's work. If verses from the Bible like this one from James 4 lead me to guilt over silly selfish decisions, but don't lead me to the positive actions that he desires in his disciples, then I am not allowing his Word to finish its work.

"Now listen, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.' Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, 'If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that.' As it is, you boast and brag. All such boasting is evil. Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins." -James 4:13-17

"Your will be done," is such a simple phrase. we utter it quickly at the end of prayers. But today I am excited about the picture of a life with that phrase behind it all. But even as i get excited about the simple joy of a life with his will as the goal, i am reminded of the intense suffering that accompanies Jesus' prayer, "Not my will but yours be done."

"'Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.' An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground." -Luke 22:42-44

How painful it truly is sometimes to beat back our sinful desires. We have to shine the truth on them. We must say, "If I give in to you, you will only give me seconds of peace, and then you will begin tormenting me again. You give no real peace or rest...."

The disciples were not far away, sleeping, rather than following the directions. Jesus had asked them simply to pray that they not fall into temptation. It again shows us how we falter, knowing full well the blessings God seeks to give us through sincere prayers.

Let us pray today not to fall into temptation. Let us today pray not my will but yours Lord. Let us today be moved by Christ's choice to suffer. Let us choose the blessings that come at the end of suffering, rather than surviving off of the table scraps that fall to the floor when we are content in our selfishness.

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