John 1:11–12 says, “He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God.…”
There is a quiet strength in having a heart that is willing—not flawless or outwardly religious, but simply willing. God looks for those who are open to Him, not just those who know the Scriptures. He is looking for lives ready to surrender. When Jesus came to His own people, many did not receive Him. However, everyone who did—everyone who opened their heart—was given the right to become children of God. It wasn’t about having the most knowledge, but about being willing to receive Him.
Willingness is a doorway. God doesn’t force His way into our lives. He looks for those who are available, yielded, and ready to follow—even when it’s hard. In John 5:39, Jesus addressed the religious leaders who assumed that the act of memorizing the Scriptures alone would lead to eternal life. Nevertheless, the true intent of the Scriptures was to guide them toward Him—yet they remained unwilling to approach Him. It is not all up to you and certainly it is not all up to God. Your genuine willingness and God’s ability work things out. God is not asking for strength or perfection; He wants just your ‘yes’.
Many people today are in church every week but are still far from God—not because they don’t believe, but because they haven’t truly surrendered. God isn’t impressed by routine. He’s moved by relationship. He’s looking for people who will say, “Lord, whatever You want, I’m willing.” You might not know all the Bible yet. You might not feel strong. But if your heart is open—God can use you, speak to you, and walk with you in ways you never imagined. Don’t just admire Him from a distance or wait for a perfect moment. Give Him your genuine willingness—and watch what His power can do with it.
Prayer: Lord, I may not have it all figured out, but my heart is open. Teach me to be truly willing. Let my life reflect surrender, not just words. I want more than routine—I want real relationship. Work in me and through me, in Jesus’ name!