Why do believers strive? Why are they wearing themselves out when they should be in a place of rest? Why are they experiencing anxiety as they seek to fulfill the will of God? One reason comes down to one word: “agenda.” Everyone has one, it’s a question of whose agenda they have that makes all the difference. Agendas can be subtle and deceive the unsuspecting. It loves to feed off the lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes and the pride of life. Indeed, the things of the world create agendas for those who live in it. Even those who pray, “Your Kingdom done, Your will be done in earth as it is in heaven,” can slip off into their own agendas. Of course, some fall prey to that of others. Depending on whose plan you embrace, you will either walk on the path of peace, or the walk of anxiety. One is filled with peace and patience; the other, anger and frustration. Sometimes, your emotions can be an indicator of which you’re following.
Obviously, if a person is dead set on his own agenda, he will easily be frustrated, especially when the Lord has nothing to do with it.
When some are that driven, they will not allow the Spirit to lead them. Yep, the pushy ones are those who care little about anyone else’s plans. Unfortunately, some try to incorporate spirituality in order to manipulate others, and justify their own actions. It’s all about them. They forget they were bought with a price, and they’re not their own (see 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; 7:23). They live in the here and now, but forget eternity waits for them. The Bible tells us, “Now if any man builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each man’s work will become evident; for the day will show it because it is to be revealed with fire, and the fire itself will test the quality of each man’s work. If any man’s work which he has built on it remains, he will receive a reward. If any man’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire” (1 Corinthians 3:12-15).
Some might say, “What about me? I want to fulfill God’s will. I believe I’m following it, yet I often feel frustrated and anxious.”
Here’s the deal: following His will is a through and through endeavor. What does that mean? Part of resting in the Lord is ceasing from your own works (see Hebrews 4:10). While you may actually be seeking to do His will, you may be attempting to accomplish it your way. God does not give you a vision, then expect you to figure it out. Even if you could figure it out on your own, it could be to your own demise. Why? Because of the temptation to take the credit for it. Who gets the glory then? Matthew 7:21-23 serve as a stern warning about such things. If we are going to accomplish our Father’s will, we have to do it His way. He wants to co-labor with us (see 1 Corinthians 3:9). A partnership is based on relationship. Jesus is the Prince of peace; not the Prince of anxiety.
By and large, it comes down to trust.
One may say, “Yes and Amen, Lord” to a vision or direction; however, if he doesn’t trust Him with the plans and results, he’ll try to take control. Instead of trusting in the Lord, and not leaning on his own understanding (see Proverbs 3:5-6), his own understanding of things will be all he trusts. Those who get involved with his vision, quickly find they’re on the proverbial “short leash.” Everything they do will require approval, while their motives and actions will be scrutinized. It’s very difficult to be Spirit led under such conditions. Such control stifles creativity.
Sure, it’s okay to make plans and have goals in life. God did not create a bunch of mindless robots. Nonetheless, we don’t do the calling; He does. Our Father has purpose for our lives, and the idea is to stay connected with it. We can plan for the future; we simply cannot determine its outcome. Although, much of our future is greatly influenced by our decisions and choices in life. Our Father gives us room to explore and make those decisions. Having said that, it is still vital to filter them through His will. The things that fit within the framework of His design for us will be filled with righteousness and peace. They will also produce the most fruit, which leads to some questions we might ask. One: does this decision, choice or direction line up with the Word of God? Is it producing the peaceable fruit of righteousness? Am I at peace with this? Yes, sometimes or even often, God will ask you to do something well out of your comfort zone; but ultimately, growth and peace are there to meet you.
He is not overly interested in your comfort zones. If you enter His zone, He will comfort you.
Without submission to (the) Father’s will, you will not have peace. Yielding to the Lord, produces peace. Have you ever found that when you resisted God’s will, it eluded you; but once you gave in, peace came? While we may have our agendas, we must allow Him to interrupt them from time to time.
Finally, do keep in mind that you are held accountable to your calling.
We must all face Jesus at His Judgment Seat. That is not to be confused with The Great White Throne Judgment found in Revelation 20:11-15 –that’s another lesson. How will you answer Him in the end, when He asks you to give an account? Romans 14:10-12 But you, why do you judge your brother? Or you again, why do you regard your brother with contempt? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God (or “of Christ” -KJV). For it is written, “As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to Me, and every tongue shall give praise to God.” So then each one of us will give an account of himself to God.
