Date: Friday, 21st November 2025
Text: Psalm 81:11–12
Author: Pastor Adedeji Fadehan
Exhortation:
Self-will is when a man insists on directing his own life, while God’s will is God directing that life for His purpose. This conflict defines every believer’s walk with God. One path leads to independence that destroys, the other to submission that preserves. A man must choose whose desire will govern his steps.
Israel chose self-will, and God gave him over to his own counsel. Nothing is more dangerous than when God steps aside and lets a man lead himself. Self-will appears bold but leaves him blind and exposed. Once he rejects divine guidance, confusion quickly becomes his companion.
When a man prioritizes his desires above God’s, he unknowingly becomes his own god. He begins to trust his emotions more than Scripture and his logic more than the Spirit. This self-made lordship always leads to dryness. No man thrives when he enthrones himself.
True discipleship is the surrender of personal preference. Even Jesus prayed, “Not My will, but Yours be done,” teaching every believer the posture of obedience. A man cannot walk in power while clinging to self-rule. God only guides the heart that yields.
Like sheep, each man naturally turns to his own way, but grace calls him back to surrender. God’s will may stretch him, but it will never harm him. His plan is wiser and safer than any counsel a man gives himself. The highest freedom is found in submission to God.
Prayer Nugget: Father, please break the power of self-will in my life and align my heart fully with Your will. Lead me in the path of surrender, and let obedience become my lifestyle in Jesus name.