Dear friend, even today, the Lord promises to lead us as per Philippians 2:13, “For it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.” Many times in this world, when we are about to do something, we only think about what gives us good pleasure. We ask ourselves, will I be happy and joyful because of this? Will I reach great heights and gain a big name from people because of doing such a thing? Our natural focus is often on our own good pleasure, but the Lord calls us to shift our hearts.

When you start thinking of God’s good pleasure in what you do, you begin to live by the teachings of the Lord. You start to ask, is this something that Jesus would like? Is this the right motivation that the Lord would want for me in choosing this path? Is this God’s desired will for my life? When you have such attitudes, it is truly fearing the Lord and seeking His good pleasure above your own. Especially my young friend, when you make decisions or choose your path in life, when you will and do for His good pleasure, that is all you need. The Lord Himself will be pleased to take over and bless you.

We see an example of this in the beginning of the biblical days when two brothers, Cain and Abel, brought their offerings before the Lord. Cain worked the soil and gave some of his fruits as an offering, but Abel chose the firstborn of his flock and the fattest among them and sacrificed it before the Lord. That required a great sacrifice. The Bible says the Lord was pleased with what Abel gave but not with what Cain offered. When you truly do things for God’s good pleasure, He accepts it and He blesses it. Today, He is giving you such a heart. So, be of good cheer!

PRAYER: 
Loving Lord, thank You for working in me to will and to do according to Your good pleasure. Too often, I chase after my own desires, my own comfort, and my own recognition, but today, I surrender them all to You. Teach me, Lord, to seek what pleases You above what pleases me. Give me the heart of Abel, willing to give You my best in sacrifice, love, and devotion. Remove every selfish ambition from me and replace it with a longing to honour Your will. Let every choice I make bring You the glory and draw me closer to Your purpose for my life. Let my life, my work, and my heart bring delight to You always. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.