Daily Devotional from The Way Bible Church for April 9th, 2020

Consecration…It’s something that you cannot truly understand until you’re tested. It’s more than dedication, it’s actually dedication on a higher spiritual level. Consecration is an unwavering commitment to service and obedience no matter what it costs or requires. This is what Jesus was being tested in when He prayed what you just read in today’s scripture reference. So many times believers use this prayer to justify their lack of knowledge of the Word. They’ll pray, “Lord, please heal me.” Then throw in the ‘holy and humble’ phrase, “Even so, not my will, but yours, be done.” What you must know is that when it comes to receiving something by faith, you must already have knowledge of what the will of God is. In this case, the Bible is very clear about healing. Your healing was bought and paid for by the stripes that Jesus took on His way to the cross. So you don’t have to make yourself sound humble by throwing the ‘if it be Your will’ phrase into your prayer. God expects you to stand boldly on His promises and receive them by faith. A prayer of consecration, like what Jesus prayed above, is what you pray when your will wants to operate contrary to the will of God. Jesus knew what was required of Him if He were to complete the plan of redemption. It would require Him to be tortured, crucified and, worst of all, separated from fellowship with His Father for the first time ever. Jesus, at this moment was fighting the greatest spiritual battle of all time. Mankind’s only opportunity to be made righteous was hanging in the balance. He wasn’t questioning God’s will or doubting His plan, He was laying Himself at His Father’s feet and consecrating Himself to the One He loved. The prayer of consecration is the ultimate prayer of faith because consecration can only be proven when it’s put to the test. Have you consecrated your life to the One who gave His for you? When testing and trials come, how quick are you to waver or step away from what He’s asking of you? It’s easy to serve when life is trial free and everything is at a place of peace. True consecration, though, is shown when you don’t understand and have to make the choice as to whether or not you’re going to continue serving and obeying the Lord with all of your heart. – Love and Blessings, Pastor Jeff