You said in your heart, ‘I will ascend to heaven; above the stars of God I will set my throne on high; I will sit on the mount of assembly in the far reaches of the north; I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.’  (Isaiah 14:13–14)

Reading these verses, we get a clear picture of the evil intent of a heart dedicated to “I will!”  Listen to yourself as you carefully read the evidence of strife, bitterness, pride, boastfulness, and the very essence of evil:  I will ascend ... I will set my throne ... I will sit ... I will ascend ... I will make myself...

At times, we each have similar battles in our minds between "I will" and “Thy will.”  H. G. Wells wrote a famous book titled War of the Worlds.  In many ways, the Bible could easily be considered the written record of the War of the Wills.

Paul wrote to us in Romans 7:21-23, giving a very clear and familiar description of this war raging within his own heart:

So I find this law at work: “When I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God's law; but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members.” 

As you can easily see, this struggle is common to all mankind.

Another One also struggled with this same war as it raged within His heart.  Matthew 26:42 gives us a glimpse of the pain involved with making the critical decision between His will and the Father's will. 

“He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done. 

Jesus knew the Lord’s will had to be done; however, that didn't stop or lessen the struggle and agony He suffered through before finally saying, “Thy will be done.”

Take careful note of the decisions (both great and small) you are required to make day after day. Make a conscious effort to make sure it is Thy will that becomes your theme in life rather than my will—or as Isaiah described so powerfully, I will!

Are you facing a struggle in your life today?  Ask yourself whose will be done. Will you do the will of your Father, or will you do what you will?  Choose this day whom you will serve. Make your choice by asking this question: Will I do my will, or will I do my Father's will?

Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness.  (Psalm 143:10)

 Prayer

Father, help me to quickly recognize Your will, accept the challenge, and then do it. Amen.

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© 2026 Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

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