The Nevertheless Prayer
There is a prayer my mother has always taught us to pray as we became young adults: “Father, we want Your will to be done—regardless.” That’s probably right up there with the “Whatever it takes, Lord” kind of prayer.
We have our ideas of what we want—and we put them in the class of what we “need.” Yet, stepping back and looking at things with a viewpoint more in line with His—we see most clearly that for the greater good, it’s not what we actually “need.” What we “need” is His will. Even when it’s painful.
I have to tell you this devotion has been stirring in my heart for several days now. I put it off. I didn’t want to write it, mainly because I have to deal with what I write. Meaning—if I write about “fear,” I most often have a moment of dealing with it in close proximity to the time of the writing. When writing about faith, mine is stretched to the breaking point. So, I didn’t relish talking about this with you today... but I will. Because every single Christ-following person is dealing with knowing, seeking, or acting on God’s will. And I don’t think it’s ever easy.
There is often a lot of wrestling when walking the journey of God’s will. Mostly due to our own struggle to find an easier way—something less painful.
Jesus walked this painful journey. He knew what lay ahead:
Luke 22: 39-44 “Then, accompanied by the disciples, Jesus left the upstairs room and went as usual to the Mount of Olives. 40 There he told them, “Pray that you will not give in to temptation.” 41 He walked away, about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed,42 “Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” 43 Then an angel from heaven appeared and strengthened him. 44 He prayed more fervently, and he was in such agony of spirit that his sweat fell to the ground like great drops of blood.”
I have prayed some painful—grieving prayers before, but never because I knew what was about to happen...but because I didn’t know. Even in my most pain-filled prayers, I never prayed to the point that Jesus did in the Garden of Gethsemane. Christ KNEW what was about to take place. If you could measure the anxiety level in this prayer I imagine it would be off the charts- not because He didn’t trust His Father—but because HE KNEW who and what was coming.
Our own family is praying about some serious situations right now. We’ve prayed over this for well more than a year—not knowing what God’s plan is. His will—is for “our good.” However, in this particular prayer—there are many lives to factor in...not just our own.
Our oldest daughter and her husband are foster parents—and I have to tell you, this has been the hardest thing for us to experience -and we have the “easier-lighter-load.” We are on the outside looking in—loving them all—and praying for God’s will and the best for them.
I’ve gotten up more during the early morning hours and wept before the Lord, taking their lives to Him—reminding Him of what they have already endured. Asking for the next steps to be easier.
Jesus also wanted another way—yet He wanted the will of the Father more. He was willing to go to the cross—and endure every brutal lash of the whip that ripped his skin open. He was willing to be mocked and beaten... for you and me.
When we pray for God’s will and feel like it’s painful—we would do well to remember that it’s not always about us—God’s will sets about to work together in everyone’s lives—not just ours.
The Amplified Version of Romans 8:28 says, “And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose.”
As painful as this reminder has been, I know and trust God as He has already seen the end. He knows what’s next for us—and I want what “HE” wants.
So, friend, as you remember with deepest gratitude what this Easter Season is all about, remember there is nothing you have experienced—or will experience that Jesus has not already walked through—so you and I would have a clear guide on “how-to” do the same.
Pray for God’s will.
Pray that “nevertheless” prayer.
Not our will...but His be done.
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