Someone recently asked me, “What do you think about a statement I read, ‘Once there is a conflict of will, what you want in life, and what God wants for you, life becomes a struggle.”
This statement has some truth, yet it is misleading. Consider the meanings of “conflict of will” and “life becomes a struggle.” Do you believe that you are in conflict with God’s will for you? What do you want? How does one know what God specifically wants for them?
Jesus said just before his arrest and after he told them that they would scatter, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) So outward trouble and struggles are a part of everyone’s life, whether resisting God are not. However, the inward life – peace of mind and heart, contentment, happiness, and satisfaction is outstanding if we stay in Christ and thus his will.
For example, looking at Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, he prayed just before he was arrested. He was in turmoil as he prayed. He was struggling to accept his Father’s will, the cross. He was in so much turmoil that his sweat was like drops of blood. (22:44) Yet, he eventually prayed, “Not my will, but yours be done.” (22:42) From then on, his external circumstances were one new hardship after another. Yet, inside, he had amazing peace, stability, and control. When the guards came to arrest him, He said, “I am he” and they drew back and fell to the ground at his word (John 18:5-6). He truly had inner peace and power.
God has a purpose for you and me, for sure. Prayer and meditation is very important in determining his will and messages. But be sure outwardly, “You will have trouble in this world” whether you are in conflict with that will or are in full submission. Yet, in communion with God inwardly exists peace.
