The Most Dangerous Words Ever Spoken: ‘I Will’

In Isaiah 14 we see the pride of Satan laid bare. Five times he lifts his voice in rebellion against God: “I will ascend to heaven. I will raise my throne above the stars of God. I will sit on the mount of assembly in the recesses of the north. I will ascend above the heights of the clouds. I will make myself like the Most High.” (Isaiah 14:13–14)

This was the heart of his fall. Pride took root, and he set his will against God’s will. Satan wanted glory that belonged only to God. But God answered Satan’s pride with His own word: “Nevertheless you will be brought down to Sheol, to the recesses of the pit.” (Isaiah 14:15) Pride never ends in victory. It always ends in ruin. Scripture says, “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before stumbling.” (Proverbs 16:18)

That same pride showed itself in the garden long before we were born. The serpent told Eve, “You will be like God.” (Genesis 3:5) It was the same lie Satan believed for himself and then whispered into human ears. And it is the same temptation we face today—exalting our will above God’s, wanting control, wanting to be our own master.

But God set another example before us. Jesus, the Son of God, walked in humility. In Gethsemane, with the weight of the cross ahead, He prayed, “Not My will, but Yours be done.” (Luke 22:42) Where Satan said, “I will,” Jesus said, “Thy will.” The difference is eternal. Satan’s pride brought death. Christ’s surrender brought life.

Paul writes, “Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, as He already existed in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant… He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, death on a cross.” (Philippians 2:5–8)

Here is the choice for us today. Which words shape our lives? Do we live by Satan’s words—“I will”—choosing our own way, clinging to our own pride? Or do we live by Christ’s words—“Not My will, but Yours be done”—surrendering in obedience to the Father? One path leads downward into the pit. The other leads upward into glory.

Every day we make that choice. In our homes, in our work, in our churches, we face moments where our will collides with God’s Word. The question is not whether those moments come—the question is how we answer. Do we push ahead in our pride, or do we bow our hearts and obey?

Jesus taught us to pray, “Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:10) That prayer cuts right against the pride of Satan and the pride in our own hearts. It is the prayer that turns us away from destruction and back to life.

So the question stands before us. Which words guide your life? The words of Satan—“I will”—or the words of Jesus—“Not My will, but Yours be done.”

One choice ends in judgment. The other leads to blessing, freedom, and eternal life.

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“What I write is not for everyone, but what I write is meant for someone.” – Dean Butler

I am the author of two books: Embracing God's Wisdom: A Journey of Faith and Reflection and Embracing God’s Wisdom: Paul’s Commands for Victorious Living. Both are available on Amazon.

This work may be shared for ministry or personal use, but please credit the author when doing so. © Dean Butler – Dean’s Bible Blog. All rights reserved.

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“I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service.” (1 Timothy 1:12)