Romans 8: 28 – 29 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.”

Just as a potter molds clay, so is the believer in God’s hands. The central premise for growth in the life of the believer is a willingness to change. God has saved you so he can make you to be like Christ. No, not to look like Christ, because you already have your own physical characteristics, but to be pliable, willing to hear and do what he asks in the way he instructs.

Jesus came to do his Father’s will. Doing God’s will is seldom based on logic or convenience nor should you expect applause. It will often entail some element of sacrifice. The Lord Jesus told his disciples: “No servant is greater than his master.”  If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching they will obey yours also.”  (John 15: 20 – 21). So be aware that doing the Father’s will does mean that you will encounter opposition at some point.

In John 17 Jesus looks beyond his suffering on the cross and, in summing up his mission on the earth, prays to his Father.  In verse 4 he says: “I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do. And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began.” Your purpose and mine is to bring glory to the Father in the earth by completing whatever he tells us to do.