The Lord's Will Be Done
When it was clear that we couldn’t persuade him, we gave up and said, “The Lord’s will be done.” – Acts 21:14
What does it really mean to give up? Is it ever okay?
Culturally, we rarely hear encouragement to quit. From early childhood into adulthood, it is common practice to encourage others to keep going, push through, and never give up. Now, I am not going to promote an attitude of quitting here, but consider this thought today.
When I was reading throughout Acts 21, verses 13 & 14 struck me. Believers had been prophesying to Paul telling him not to go to Jerusalem. Paul replied with, “Why all this weeping? You are breaking my heart! I am ready not only to be jailed at Jerusalem but even to die for the sake of the Lord Jesus.” When it was clear that we couldn’t persuade him, we gave up and said, “The Lord’s will be done.”
Have you ever tried to persuade someone, and they just weren’t picking up what you were putting down? Have you ever prayed long and hard for someone, maybe a child, a friend, a spouse, doing all you can to encourage them in their faith or guide them to Jesus, and yet…nothing changes? Maybe you’ve offered godly counsel, and it feels like it fell on deaf ears.
I believe that our prayers should not cease but that we would accept that the Lord’s will is going to be done. I believe that in saying and believing “The Lord’s will be done” can free us to pray without being emotionally bound. The believers that were trying to persuade Paul were literally weeping with emotion. They felt they had heard from the Holy Spirit that Paul shouldn’t go and he wouldn’t listen. But then the realization set in that Paul was going to do what he was going to do, and they said, “The Lord’s will be done.”
Is there someone or something you need to release to God today? Maybe the most powerful prayer you can offer right now is simply: “Lord, Your will be done.” That one phrase is deep and freeing. It doesn’t mean you stop caring or praying, but it does mean you stop carrying the burden as if it’s yours to bear alone. You can give up emotional ties that often bring worry, fear, anxiety, hopelessness with just knowing that the Lord’s will shall be done.
Paul went on to fulfill God’s purpose for his life. It was not a life without hardship, which could have been exactly what his fellow Christians feared and prophesied, but it was a life of deep commitment and calling. Paul was committed to Jesus, and Jesus was faithful to him.
So whether you are praying for a non-believer or believer today…whether your prayers are filled with fear, frustration, or desperate hope…remember: the same God who’s listening to you is also working in them. Pray for His will be done, because it will.
Activation: Today, take time to reflect: Is your prayer rooted in faith or wrapped in worry? Be honest with God. Release the burden you’re carrying and surrender it fully to Him. Speak it out: “Lord, Your will be done.” Let that be your resting place and your confidence.
What does it really mean to give up? Is it ever okay?
Culturally, we rarely hear encouragement to quit. From early childhood into adulthood, it is common practice to encourage others to keep going, push through, and never give up. Now, I am not going to promote an attitude of quitting here, but consider this thought today.
When I was reading throughout Acts 21, verses 13 & 14 struck me. Believers had been prophesying to Paul telling him not to go to Jerusalem. Paul replied with, “Why all this weeping? You are breaking my heart! I am ready not only to be jailed at Jerusalem but even to die for the sake of the Lord Jesus.” When it was clear that we couldn’t persuade him, we gave up and said, “The Lord’s will be done.”
Have you ever tried to persuade someone, and they just weren’t picking up what you were putting down? Have you ever prayed long and hard for someone, maybe a child, a friend, a spouse, doing all you can to encourage them in their faith or guide them to Jesus, and yet…nothing changes? Maybe you’ve offered godly counsel, and it feels like it fell on deaf ears.
I believe that our prayers should not cease but that we would accept that the Lord’s will is going to be done. I believe that in saying and believing “The Lord’s will be done” can free us to pray without being emotionally bound. The believers that were trying to persuade Paul were literally weeping with emotion. They felt they had heard from the Holy Spirit that Paul shouldn’t go and he wouldn’t listen. But then the realization set in that Paul was going to do what he was going to do, and they said, “The Lord’s will be done.”
Is there someone or something you need to release to God today? Maybe the most powerful prayer you can offer right now is simply: “Lord, Your will be done.” That one phrase is deep and freeing. It doesn’t mean you stop caring or praying, but it does mean you stop carrying the burden as if it’s yours to bear alone. You can give up emotional ties that often bring worry, fear, anxiety, hopelessness with just knowing that the Lord’s will shall be done.
Paul went on to fulfill God’s purpose for his life. It was not a life without hardship, which could have been exactly what his fellow Christians feared and prophesied, but it was a life of deep commitment and calling. Paul was committed to Jesus, and Jesus was faithful to him.
So whether you are praying for a non-believer or believer today…whether your prayers are filled with fear, frustration, or desperate hope…remember: the same God who’s listening to you is also working in them. Pray for His will be done, because it will.
Activation: Today, take time to reflect: Is your prayer rooted in faith or wrapped in worry? Be honest with God. Release the burden you’re carrying and surrender it fully to Him. Speak it out: “Lord, Your will be done.” Let that be your resting place and your confidence.
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4 Comments
Your devotion spoke volumes to me this morning. A few weeks ago, my neighbor and I thought my friend tripped and fell on my patio and broke her hip. To my surprise, she has reached out to file a claim on my homeowners insurance. Not that I don't have sympathy for her situation, but being a nurse for nearly 40 years, I knew what she was saying, didn't match her injury. I have fought with emotions that have caused me sleepless nights and chest pain. Then, this morning, 'Let the Lord's will be done' jumped out at me. I realized that I was stressing over something that God has complete control of. Whatever the outcome of my situation is, I can refocus on what God is trying to show me in this situation, not on the what it's. Thank you for your message this morning!
Thank you so much for sharing! Our trials and testimonies help us all to stay encouraged and keep the faith no matter what life throws at us. God is more than able and I will pray for you!
Exactly what I needed to hear. Thank-you! I am experiencing a life changing journey that caught me by surprise and is taking me out of my comfort zone. I feel like what has happened is not my fault and makes no sense. I am struggling with acceptance and being able to move forward. This message impacts me to pick myself up and take those steps.
Those were my thoughts as I dwelt on writing this devotional too. Thank you for sharing and I will remember you in prayer!