Winning the Will

“I WILL love thee, O LORD, my Strength… in whom I WILL trust… I WILL call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies” (Psalm 18:1-3).  “He that winneth souls is wise” (Proverbs 11:30).  “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which He hath purchased with His own blood… For I know this… of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them” (Acts 20:28-30). 

It is the WILL God seeks to win,

So this should also be our goal. 
The will that turns to God from sin
Obtains the grace to save the soul. 

The sinner’s prayer without the will

Is just an empty exercise
That works not good, but rather ill,
Deceiving those who are not wise. 

Take heed, therefore, with honesty

To love the Lord with all your heart. 
It is the truth that makes us free,
As from deception, we depart.  

Take heed, as well, to all the flock,

Which God entrusts into your care,
And lead them to that higher rock
That lifts our hearts to God in prayer. 

Take heed to put no trust in men,

But rather trust the Lord alone. 
For some will turn away, and then
Their heart’s deception shall be known. 

Alas, their will was never won! 

They just pretended to be saved. 
Take heed, lest others also run
To follow those who are depraved! 

O Lord, we thank You for the warning,

By which we’ve come to understand
The reason some will turn with scorning: 
There will was never in Your hand. 

O teach us, Lord, to win the lost

With willing hearts in full surrender,
Convincing them to count the cost,
So You may be their soul’s Defender!