I Am Willing

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 
James 1:22 (NIV)

Who has the final say in your life?

I once read about a strange baptism practice of the Knights Templar. At each baptism, each knight held his sword, but would hold the weapon out of the water while the rest of him went under the water. It was their way of saying, “Jesus, you can have control of most of me, but you can’t have this.” 

Today’s verse teaches us that God’s Word is not just a book to be read, believed, or understood; God’s Word is to be obeyed. You must surrender to the authority of the Word of God over your whole life.

Let me ask you a question: What part of your life is not yet under the total control of Jesus? Is it your wallet, will or your work? What about your anger, bitterness or selfishness? Obeying the Word of God starts every morning when you get out of bed, saying these three words to God, “I am willing.”

James 1:21b says, “...and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.” The Greek word for “accept” means to “welcome with a humble heart”. This kind of hospitality is not just inviting God’s Word into your heart as a guest; it means to give God the keys to your entire life, as an Owner. 

Welcome Him into every room, every area, every thought. He can be trusted, not just with part, but with all of your heart, soul, and mind. When you are willing, His Word will come into your heart and save, heal and preserve you, leading you out of patterns of destruction into safety and peace.

God’s Word will come alive in you and change your life when you come before Him with a broken heart and a surrendered will. This is the first key to not only listening to God’s Word, but putting it into practice. 

I found this prayer and would invite you to pray it with me, thinking carefully about each line as you pray:

Lord, I am willing.
Lord, I am willing to receive what You give.
I am willing to lack what You withhold.
I am willing to relinquish what You take.
I am willing to suffer what You require.
Lord, I am willing.

In Jesus’ name, amen.