As the Day Begins
“And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?” — Acts 9:6
There is something deeply honest about the question Saul asked on the Damascus road. He had influence, education, determination, and religious passion, yet when confronted by the risen Christ, all of those things suddenly became secondary. In a moment of holy awakening, the persecutor became a seeker. His first instinct was not self-defense but surrender: “Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?” That question still marks the beginning of every meaningful walk with God. Salvation is not merely learning religious ideas; it is yielding the direction of our lives to the One who created us.
Human will is both a gift and a responsibility. In Genesis, Adam and Eve were given the ability to obey or rebel. The Hebrew idea behind obedience often carries the thought of hearing with the intention to respond. God never created humanity as lifeless machines. He created us capable of love, worship, fellowship, and willing devotion. Yet sin distorted that freedom into self-rule. Much of modern life still celebrates independence from God as though autonomy were the highest virtue. Scripture teaches the opposite. Real freedom begins when my will is brought under God’s wisdom and care. Jesus Himself demonstrated this in Gethsemane when He prayed, “Not my will, but thine, be done” (Luke 22:42).
Alfred Lord Tennyson’s words still echo with spiritual insight: “Our wills are ours, to make them Thine.” That is the daily invitation before every believer. Sometimes God’s will leads through open doors and joyful seasons. Other times it calls for patience, forgiveness, humility, or restraint. Yet Christ reminds us in Matthew 11:30, “For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” God’s commands are never meant to crush us. They restore us to proper fellowship with the Creator who knows us completely. When I begin the day by surrendering my plans, fears, and ambitions to Him, I discover peace that self-direction could never produce.
Prayer to the Father
Heavenly Father, I thank You for creating me with purpose and calling me into fellowship with You. Forgive me for the times I insist on my own way while ignoring Your wisdom. As this day begins, teach me to trust Your direction even when I do not fully understand it. Let my thoughts, decisions, and conversations reflect a willing heart that desires to obey You with joy rather than reluctance.
Prayer to the Son
Jesus the Son, thank You for showing perfect obedience even unto the cross. Your surrender opened the way for my salvation and restored my relationship with the Father. I ask You to shape my character today so that my will becomes aligned with Yours. Help me to ask sincerely, “Lord, what would You have me do?” and then give me courage to follow wherever You lead.
Prayer to the Holy Spirit
Holy Spirit, guide me through the subtle moments of this day where choices reveal the condition of my heart. Quiet selfish ambition and strengthen my desire for holiness, humility, and love. Fill me with spiritual discernment so I may recognize God’s voice above the noise of the world and walk faithfully in His presence.
Thought for the Day:
The safest place for my life is not where my will dominates, but where God’s will is welcomed, trusted, and obeyed.
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