(Matt. 26:39)
Jesus prayed this prayer of total submission to the Father in the garden of Gethsemane before His arrest and crucifixion. He did not want to drink from the cup that was placed before Him. He prayed that the crucifixion (the Cross) would pass from Him. He did not want to experience the suffering, humiliation, the nails, the crown of thorns, and the rejection. However, Jesus ended His prayer with, “…Not as I will, but as You will.”
You can follow along a path with the right intent in your heart, but it is important that you surrender your will to God every day, for your path may lead you to a place that you don’t want to go. However, you must make a decision to do whatever God tells you to do.
On January 8, 1981, I was praying about where our church could meet when it suddenly became crystal clear: “Tink Wilkerson’s Auto Mart.” That was 10:30 at night, it was 32 degrees outside, and I had my pajamas on. I immediately put on a coat and drove to 4400 South Sheridan in Tulsa. I stepped out of my car, pointed to the building, and called it into the ministry.
Over the next few days, as I shared my vision, I received mixed responses. Many people could not comprehend worshiping God in a car dealership with the lifts, grease pits, and showroom windows!
Eventually, I was interviewed by a reporter from a local newspaper who wrote a story about the car dealership. The young lady wrote, “Come to Victory if you need a lift!” Thousands of people came. God made a way for us. It was a great beginning.
You may be in a situation where you know what to do in your heart, but your mind is fighting you. Surrender to God and do whatever He says. Not only will you be blessed, but others will also be blessed because of your submission and obedience to God.
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers
Billy Joe Daugherty was founder and pastor of Victory Christian Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He was also the founder of Victory Christian School, Victory Bible Institute and Victory World Missions Training Center. Five hundred twenty-three Victory Bible Institutes have been started in eighty-five countries around the world. He inspired individuals and ministries with his life, love and influence for more than 30 years.