Not my will, but yours be done.

My devotion today talked of a harpist who loved his harp and continually tuned it.  He turns the thumbscrew bringing lots of tension to the harp.  Over and over he gets shrill and distorted notes but he keeps at it until a smile crosses his face as a melodic sound arises.

"Perhaps this is how God is dealing with you.  Loving you more than any harpist loves his harp, He finds you nothing but harsh, discordant sounds.  He plucks your heartstrings with torturing anguish.  Tenderly leaning over you, He strikes the strings and listens.  Hearing only a harsh murmur, He strikes you again.  His heart bleeds for you while He anxiously waits to hear the strain "not my will, but yours be done" (Luke 22:42).  He will never cease from striking the strings of your heart until your humbled and disciplined soul blends with all the pure and eternal harmonies of His own being." 

This so reminds me of my lovely two year old Amaria right now.  VERY stubborn and wanting her way in everything we are being stretched to our parenting limits.  We try to teach her that we are in charge and that it is 'our will' that needs to be done...not hers.  It is so obvious and ugly in a little girl when she is going against our will, but as adults we have learned to sin in more appropriate ways.  We go against God's will every time we are stubborn and want the best for us in situations...it just looks a little different than Mari. 

It is my desire and my prayer today that I would strive after, "not my will, but Yours be done."

***PLEASE pray for us in our parenting of little Amaria.  It is taking alot of patience...and mine is running on low with her by 8am.  Pray that God would change her rebellious and stubborn heart and help us to be consistent, patient, and loving with her.