Not My Will, But Yours: Trusting God When Life Doesn't Make Sense
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There's a quiet kind of suffering that many of us carry. It's the weight of trying to make sense of life when things feel uncertain, when we have ideas about how things should go, but they unfold differently. Even when God answers our prayers—and He does—our hearts can still struggle with how and when those answers come.
Sometimes, without realizing it, we want God to fulfill our vision, instead of trusting His.
We see this in the story of Judas Iscariot. Judas wasn't just a betrayer. He was someone who believed in Jesus—he walked with Him, witnessed His miracles, and wanted to see Him reveal His power. But Judas expected Jesus to act a certain way… to rise up as a political Messiah, to rule visibly and triumphantly. And when Jesus didn't follow that script, Judas acted out of his own understanding.
It's a warning for us.
Even when we love God, we can still miss His heart if we cling too tightly to our own expectations. But Jesus didn't come to meet our ideas—He came to fulfill the will of the Father, in the timing of Heaven, with a purpose deeper than what our eyes can always see.
Letting Go of Our Own Ideas
Jesus teaches us something radical and freeing:
"Not my will, but Yours be done." — Luke 22:42
That is the prayer that changes everything.
We're not meant to be led by:
- Our own understanding
- Our assumptions about how life should look
- Pressure to control outcomes
- Emotions that shift with every circumstance
Instead, we are meant to be led by:
- The Holy Spirit, who guides us into truth
- The Word of God, which is living and active
- Love, which reflects the heart of Christ
- Faith, which keeps us anchored even when the road isn't clear
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths." — Proverbs 3:5–6
How Do We Find Peace?
Peace doesn't come from figuring everything out. It doesn't come from getting life to go according to plan. Peace comes when we let go of our grip and take hold of God's hand.
"Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." — John 14:27
Jesus offers us a different kind of peace—the kind that doesn't depend on circumstances, the kind that flows from trust, love, and surrender.
A Final Word
Judas teaches us what happens when we try to push God to fit our plans. Jesus teaches us what it looks like to trust even when we don't fully understand.
We don't need to live anxious, confused, or burdened by our own expectations. We can live in peace, clarity, and purpose when we follow the way of surrender.
"Let it not be my will, Lord, but Yours. Let me follow You, not just believe in You."
💛 A Gentle Companion for Your Journey
If today’s message brought peace to your heart, I’ve created a few faith-filled items that carry the same truths—that remind you (or someone you love) that God is near, even when the morning feels heavy. They are reminders—quiet, visual anchors—to help us release control and trust God’s plan.
Our Let Go and Let God metal wall art is more than decor. It’s a statement of faith. A daily invitation to surrender.
Hang it where your heart needs to see it most—your prayer space, your bedroom, your entryway—and let it remind you:
“Not my will, Lord, but Yours.”