“Not my will, but Thy will be done.” — Luke 22:42

Have you ever found yourself trying to make something happen, only to feel frustrated when it didn’t unfold the way you expected? Most of us have. We create plans, imagine outcomes, and convince ourselves that life should move in a certain direction. When it doesn’t, we often push harder, worry more, or try to control the situation. This is the difference between force and power. Force comes from the ego and our desire to control outcomes. Power comes from the heart and our willingness to trust the Divine process, even when we cannot see the whole picture.

When Expectations Get in the Way

A story was shared about a man who had developed a deep relationship with God through prayer. One day he invited God to dinner and confidently told all of his friends that God would be joining them. His friends arrived, bringing food and curiosity, but as noon came and went, many began to doubt him. Then a large dog ran into the house, jumped onto the table, and devoured much of the meal. The guests became upset, the man chased the dog away, and eventually everyone left disappointed. Later, when the man prayed and asked God why He had not come, God replied, “I did come. I arrived at noon and enjoyed the meal.” The lesson is simple but powerful: sometimes God answers our prayers and shows up in our lives, but not in the way we expected. Our expectations can blind us to the blessings already present before us.

Recognizing the Force of the Ego

The ego often reveals itself through impatience, fear, anxiety, and the need to control. In the story, the guests quickly became frustrated because events were not unfolding according to their expectations. The man himself began doubting his faith because of the opinions of those around him. We experience the same thing in everyday life. We want immediate answers, clear solutions, and certainty about the future. When those things don’t appear, we may become anxious or discouraged. The ego constantly tells us that we need to force results, fix every problem, and stay in control. Yet that pressure often leaves us exhausted and disconnected from our inner peace.

Living from the Power of the Heart

Unlike force, true power does not come from control. It comes from trust. The power of the heart allows us to act with confidence while remaining open to possibilities greater than our own plans. When we live from the heart, we are guided by clarity rather than fear. We stop trying to force life to happen and begin working with the natural flow of life. This does not mean becoming passive or giving up responsibility. It means taking action while trusting that God is working through situations in ways we may not yet understand. The heart reminds us that we are not alone and that Divine wisdom is always available to guide us.

Choosing Faith Over Fear

One of the most important lessons from this message is the influence of outside voices. The man in the story allowed the doubts of his friends to weaken his own faith. The same thing can happen to us when we spend too much time listening to fear-based messages from the world around us. News headlines, social media, opinions, and criticism can easily pull us away from our center. When we allow external forces to shape our beliefs, we give away our power. Faith calls us back to our inner knowing. It reminds us that God is our source and that we can trust the wisdom within us, even when circumstances seem uncertain.

Trusting the Divine Process

The spiritual journey is not about forcing outcomes; it is about learning to trust the unfolding of life. Proverbs 3:5 reminds us to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” We do not always have a complete view of what is happening. What appears to be a setback may actually be preparing us for something greater. What feels like a delay may be Divine timing. When we release the need to control every detail, we create space for grace, guidance, and unexpected blessings to enter our lives. The moment we stop forcing is often the moment we begin flowing.

Affirmation

I act from power, not from force.

God’s will is done in me and through me.

Closing Prayer

Divine Presence, thank You for reminding us that true power comes from the heart. Help us release the need to control outcomes and strengthen our trust in Your guidance. When fear or uncertainty arise, bring us back to the wisdom within. May we recognize Your presence in every circumstance and remain open to the many ways You work through our lives. Guide us to live with faith, clarity, and confidence, knowing that Your will is unfolding through us and around us every day. Amen.

Sunday Message — June 1, 2025
Rev. Lori Souza