They went to a place called Gethsemane, and Jesus said to His disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” He took Peter, James and John along with Him, and He began to be deeply distressed and troubled. “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death,” He said to them. “Stay here and keep watch.” Going a little farther, He fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from Him. “Abba, Father,” He said, “everything is possible for You. Take this cup from Me. Yet not what I will, but what You will.” Then He returned to His disciples and found them sleeping. “Simon,” He said to Peter, “are you asleep? Couldn’t you keep watch for one hour? Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Once more He went away and prayed the same thing. When He came back, He again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. They did not know what to say to Him. Returning the third time, He said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Enough! The hour has come….
Mark 14:32-42
All He asked them to do was to stay awake and pray with Him. Jesus, on the night before He was to die, went to the garden to pray. Actually to speak to His Father…and maybe get a different solution to this saving thing. Who could blame Him, really. But as we all know, God did not change His mind.
In this prayer of Jesus’, we see Him totally surrendering Himself to the complete sovereignty of God even though His heart is longing for something different. Jesus totally trusts in the One Who holds it all in His loving hands. And, ultimately, God’s plan was carried out and it was perfect. Are you struggling with the same thing—asking God to take this cup from you but, if not, then surrendering to His will?
I know it is hard to look at ourselves and examine our own hearts. There may be something that God is asking you to do and, with all your heart, you don’t want to. You find yourself begging Him, pleading with Him, to take this cup from you. But, if He doesn’t, are you okay with His answer? I can tell you from experience that you should be. Because He loves His children so much that He only wants the very best for us. Yes, there are sometimes painful things we must do…but when we surrender to Him, and do what He asks, we will be blessed.
But what if you never see the benefit? You may not on this side of Heaven; but I do know that one day it will all be revealed in His time. Just pray, seek His face, and trust—that no matter what it is on earth that He is asking—He will not harm you, but will bless you forever.
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Do you know this Jesus that I am telling you about? If not, I pray that today you will get to know Him and ask Him into your life so that you will be made new! I ask that You pray this prayer with me…
Dear God, I know that I am a sinner. I am so tired of doing things my way and hurting. Today, I surrender. I believe that Jesus is Your Son and He died on the Cross to save me from sin. I ask that Jesus come into my heart to live and walk with me through this life. In Jesus’ name, amen.
