Most Understanding Lord, though I’ve given myself to You, I still feel a pulling toward what is convenient and comfortable. It isn’t easy to deny myself and take up my cross as You have requested. I know that whatever I consider the focus of my life, nothing can be better than Your plan for me. You are a perfect revelation of who God is … my final and complete sacrifice for sins … my compassionate and understanding mediator … my way to eternal life, so why do I struggle to conform to what You called me to become? As Your Word confirms to me, I am not my own any longer, but one who should give You my devotion and love. Sometimes the thought comes to me saying “you have the right to decide what you want to do.” Even though I might think this is freedom, it is actually enslavement to my own selfish desires. When I chose to give my life to You, I am committed to whatever You asked of me.
I have been set free from sin, but I am obligated to serve You willingly and with diligence. Because I belong to You, I must not violate Your standards for living. I know this … I do not want to be a slave to sin … I want to belong to You totally. I do not want sin, pride and fear to control my life because I’ve placed myself under Your care. I am learning that my freedom does not mean free to do my own thing … instead, I’m free from the power of sin that tries to draw me away from You. Sometimes I get caught up into doing something for You instead of stopping to listen to what You really want me to do. I must accept that turning things over to You means I believe that what You are asking me to do is good and I should do it. The purpose of my life is to honor You, serve You and do as I’m instructed. Life can seem so hard, but it really is not when I choose to do it Your way.
Being conformed to Your likeness is not an easy thing when I must overcome myself, the world and my enemy. I must never lose sight of the fact that You work out all things for my good when I remain obedient. This does not mean that You are focused on making me happy, but on fulfilling Your purpose for my life. I am drawn to Your service by the works of the Holy Spirit who convinces me and enables me to do what You command. My success in being conformed into Your image comes when I become open to change and a different perspective. I must take on a whole new mind set regarding life. I must learn to trust You and not count on the world for my answers … seek my security through Heaven and not the earth … and, learn to accept and not resist Your will for me. I must understand that the goal of Your Father and the Holy Spirit is to make me like You. And it’s in Jesus’ name I pray. AMEN!!
Romans 8:29 For those God foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of His Son.