Do you have any will nots in your life? I’m sure you’re well aware that you did not have to teach your children to be selfish. They come that way! Have you noticed that even as infants, they behave as though the whole world revolves around them and everyone in their life is there to cater to their desires? And sadly, we don’t change much as we grow older; we’re just not quite as vocal about it!

 

We do what we set our wills to do—and conversely, we don’t do what we set our wills not to do. So, when I set my will not to do God’s will, but to do my own will, then I’ve set myself on a path to pain and heartache. And oh yes, even people who are truly born of the Spirit of God can decide that they will not obey God.   I know, because I’ve been there.

 

For many years I set my will to go after what I thought I needed in order to be happy. It was all about me, and many times through those years I demonstrated through my lifestyle and the choices I made that I would not do God’s will.   I didn’t actually utter those words and would probably have denied them if I had been confronted. But there was no doubt that I had a bundle of will nots in my heart, and I intended to run my life by my will, not by God’s.

 

I wonder if someone reading this now is in that place. You know that you’ve set your will to do what you want, and you simply will not obey God. I have to tell you that is one of the most miserable places to be. Refusing to obey God is a surefire way to mess up your life. God’s plans for you are good; they are by far better than your plans. He knows the best way for you to go, but as long as you will not listen to his voice, you will forfeit the good path he has for you.

 

Jeremiah 6:16 says, “This is what the Lord says: ‘Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. But you said, ‘We will not walk in it.’”

 

If there is any will not in your life today, I pray you will immediately confess and forsake it, and walk in the ancient paths, in the good way, where you will find rest for your soul.