Back in the late 2000s, when I was in youth group, our youth band had a little chorus that we often sang: “May we decrease so that you may increase.” 

Even now, I find myself singing those words to myself often when I am cooking, cleaning, working, or at rest– just going about my business. The melody is just one of those things that bubbles up often in my heart in worship to the Lord. It’s simple and short, but it’s a much needed reminder to my heart in allowing Jesus to be in control, to be at the front and center in my life, and that my desires, dreams, and will must not only conform to be pleasing unto the Lord, but they also must step out of the way if they are not in line with God’s desires, dreams, and will.

This week, I met a new friend for dinner. While praying to bless the food, I said something along the lines of, “Lord, give us the courage to walk in your will.” When I finished, she asked me what I meant by asking for the courage to walk with the Lord. And I sort of paused, because it’s something I have been asking God a lot lately in my personal prayers. Have you ever been praying to God for something, and in your own mind the path from A to B is obvious? Have you ever mistaken that easy, obvious path as God’s will? Or maybe God closed the door on that route and left you feeling confused. Why would God tease us with something that seemed like an answer to prayer, only for it to pass right over us?