IT’S TIME to FLY a 7-Day Devotion by Joy A. WilliamsSample

Yielding Completely

In the midst of big dreams or unexpected challenges, it’s easy for me to insist on my own flight plan. It’s the plan where fears fall away as I lean hard on my desired outcomes. Maybe you’re thinking of what your best-case scenarios can look like too.

But the thoughts and ways of God are far higher than any human inclination (Isaiah 55:8-9). At the cost of unimaginable pain and His sacrificial death for our sin, Jesus gave us the yielding to God declaration, “Nevertheless, not my will but thy will be done.” (Matthew 26:36-39).

The Son’s yielding to the Father, even in great anguish, expressed His great love. It also provides us with a great truth; whatever God’s will requires, it is worth it.

After dying for our sins, Jesus rose from the dead for our victory. His surrender to God’s will was the only way to fulfill His purpose of being our sinless Savior and our resurrected Lord.

His redemption is our reason for great joy. Jesus makes it possible for us to learn how to FLY. Competing voices may bring distraction. A desire for quick and painless solutions to our problems will make their appeal. However, surrender spreads the wings of our faith so we can rise to the call of the Savior.

On the other side of our obedience is a victory we cannot experience without obeying God. There is a deeper knowledge of who He is and who we are intended to be. As we abide in God’s love, we can have hope in all things, believe Him in all things, and endure all things (1 Corinthians 13:4-7). This kind of love for God is not confining. It’s freeing. It’s how we learn to fear not, lean hard and yield completely!

FLY: Trusting God’s flight plan is integral to our purpose. What is your biggest obstacle in this season?

PRAY: Dear God, this walk of faith can go from amazing to overwhelming. Yet, You are with me every step of the way. Whatever Your will requires of me, it is worth it. Help me to live a life that honors You when it’s time to FLY! In Jesus’ name, amen.

Join me for more encouragement and a PDF of “5 Habits of a Joy-filled Life” on joyawilliams.com!