Second Secret to a Better Year in 2007

The Second Secret to having a Better New Year is
A Willingness to Pursue New Experiences

the key word is "willing"
The parents had prepared their son as best they could for his first days of school. They knew it would be difficult for him to be attentive from 8-noon. He was rambunctious, and difficult to control. One day they got a call from the prinicpal, who said-- "it seems we are having a problem with our Will today..."

Many can relate to that spiritually-- we are having a problem with our will.

1. Here are some signs of a “will” problem found in Matt. 21:28; Luke 9:58, 61.
4 people are pictured that help us to see a "will" problem:

Exhibit A-- this son said "I will", but did not. His "yes" became a "no" . Well-intentioned perhaps, but gets diverted, preoccupied with other things, but ultimately does not follow through.

Exhibit B-- this son said "I will not", but he did. His "no" became a "yes". He inititally resisted, but his heart is touched as he realizes his response to the father, and ultimately obeys.

Exhibit C-- this person said "I will, but...". His yes became a maybe, as he lists his priorities, and what he will do first. He wants to negotiate with God, or sees other things as more important in his list of priorities

Exhibit D – seems to want to follow Jesus, until He mentions the cost, and in affect, this person said “I will, if...” that is, if I can stay in my comfort zone, if there are no problems or persecutions or difficulties..." Jesus said there would be no place to lay his head, and this would be disciple disappears from the scene.

The difference between your words and your actions is found in your will. A "bottleneck" in the will, causes a slowdown or stop in the obedience to God. Must therefore deal with and overcome the "will" problem.

2. Steps To Overcome "Will” Problem

A. Recognize God has an over-all, divine, and perfect will

B. Discover That His Will Involves you.

C. Respond Correctly to His Will

1. Begins with a Choice

You Must Understand One Secret :

When His will differs from our will, there is only one correct response: SURRENDER

2. Succeeds with His Support

Phil 2:13-- "it is God who is operating in you, bot to will and to accomplish the work he has for you to do..."l 2