by Phil Lapp

These famous words of Jesus are quoted famously and preached fervently by many. I have said them many times in prayer, yet the obedience to them as Jesus obeyed is often incomplete in our lives.

This incompletion of the surrender of my will to the will of my Father hinders the finished work of the Cross in my life. Without the full surrender of my will, I can never say, as Jesus did; “It is finished.”

Can you say these words concerning the work of the Cross of Christ in your life? Or is the work of the Cross still incomplete in your life?

Are you ordering your life and directing your own steps by your own wisdom and wit?

Or is the finished work of the Cross working itself out daily in your life, so that every day you live out the truth of these words—Not as I wilt, but as thou wilt, Father.

Apostle Paul said in truth, “I am crucified with Christ, nevertheless, I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20

Galatians 5:17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one against the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.

The Spirit brings the Life of the Cross into our lives every day. He does not allow us to become enslaved to our flesh. He will bring every habit, every thought, everything under the obedience of Jesus Christ.

The daily process of this exercise obliterates my will until it is poor. “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” This process allows God to focus his attention on us and draw near to us. Isaiah 66:2 To this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my Word.’

This is the humbling that allows the Lord to draw near to us and not only look at us, but lift us up and exalt us. 1 Peter 5:6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time. When his will is accomplished in my life, He exalts this experience to others, in due time; so that others also will hear, see and experience this life of Christ, in the flesh.

James 4:10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.

This is the context in which the Lord allows us to cast all of our care upon him, and reveals his care for us. There is no other place where we can go, nothing else we can do; that will take off the heavy burden of care from our minds.

This is the place of rest. As Jesus said; “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” Matt. 11:29

Rest that refreshes the young and old alike so that their strength is renewed! Here they run and never grow weary, they walk and do not faint, they mount up with wings like eagles!

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