Our Father is “the only wise God” (Romans 16:27). His thoughts are higher than our thoughts “as the heavens are higher than the earth” (Isaiah 55:9). Since God’s wisdom is so far greater than ours, we should want His will for us to be accomplished. If Jesus prayed, “not as I will, but as You will,” how much more should we pray the same, we who have no wisdom at all compared to the Father and the Son.
Jesus asked for the cup of suffering to be removed (Matthew 26:39). Yet that loathsome cup was not taken away. Jesus suffered to the full extent. He surrendered gracefully when God’s answer became evident.
Being found in human form, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross (Philippians 2:8).
God’s answer—“death on a cross”—was the answer necessary for saving us and all mankind. Our freedom from sin depended on Jesus taking on Himself the terrible punishment for our sins (Matthew 26:28; Isaiah 53:5; 2 Peter 2:24). Thus, when God gives an answer different to our request, we can be sure God has something even better in mind. He has chosen His wisdom over ours, and that always means a better outcome.
Paul prayed three times for God to remove his thorn in the flesh (2 Corinthians 12:8). But God did not remove the thorn. Instead, God said,
“My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore [says Paul] I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me (2 Corinthians 12:9).
God had a better answer, and Paul responded, “I am content” (2 Corinthians 12:10) — exemplified the surrender of which we speak.