Lay Down

“Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.”

—Luke 22:42 NLT

You long for peace and for blessing, yet you do not want to walk my path. You are unwilling to experience the way of the cross to know my glory and power. You look for instant answers and instant intimacy with me, yet you do not want to give me the time of day until your crisis is upon you. Just as my Son, you ask for release, but deep inside, and unlike Him, you are not willing. You want escape from the very thing I have sent to shape your character and give you purpose.

Desire me above all else. Place your will on my altar as your most precious offering. I gave up my will for you when I died for you. Now I long for yours to be given in love. Now I seek yours. Trust that what I shall do is best for you. Believe that I am powerful enough to do anything and everything. Believe that nothing is impossible in my hand. Then leave your requests with me with thanksgiving in your heart. Give me your tired heart, your struggles, your hard days, your thoughts, your whole being—all within that yearns to be free. Allow my will to shape your life. My freedom only comes by way of the cross.

When you give yourself to me, I am the Lord of your past, present, and future. Your past is no more. Your present is my fire that refines. Your future is my promise upon which I gave my oath. Right now, child, if you knew every event to come, it would either be too painful or too amazing for you to even comprehend its importance. I reveal your future as I determine. Have faith that I have loved you with my everlasting love and drawn you in my unfailing kindness.

Peace comes when you are willing to lay down self just as I was willing to lay down self. If you accept my heart and my will, you will know my joy. When I have your will in my hands, you will know my incredible peace. Look to me. I am the author and the finisher of your faith. The greatest joy and peace and fulfillment and glory is found in my purpose. Allow me to shape your character. Allow me to be everything you need. Allow me, and you will be free in whatever lies before you. I will be your answer—your power—your purpose.

Lay it all down. Let this be the place where you die.

© 2017 Lynn Lacher