Your Will Not Mine
Scripture:
32 They came at length to a garden called Gethsemane. Jesus: “Stay here. I’m going a little farther to pray and to think .” 33 He took Peter, James, and John with Him; and as they left the larger group behind, He became distressed and filled with sorrow. Jesus: 34 “My heart is so heavy; I feel as if I could die. Wait here for Me, and stay awake to keep watch.” 35 He walked on a little farther. Then He threw Himself on the ground and prayed for deliverance from what was about to come. Jesus: 36 “Abba, Father, I know that anything is possible for You. Please take this cup away so I don’t have to drink from it . But whatever happens, let Your will be done—not Mine.”37 He got up, went back to the three, and found them sleeping. Jesus (waking Peter) : “Simon, are you sleeping? Couldn’t you wait with Me for just an hour? 38 Stay awake, and pray that you aren’t led into a trial of your own. It’s true —even when the spirit is willing, the body can betray it.” 39 He went away again, and prayed again the same prayer as before —pleading with God but surrendering to His will. 40 He came back and found the three asleep; and when He woke them, they didn’t know what to say to Him. 41 After He had gone away and prayed for a third time, He returned to find them slumbering. Jesus: “Again? Still sleeping and getting a good rest? Well, that’s enough sleep. The time has come; the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 42 Get up now, and let’s go. The one who is going to betray Me is close by.” (Mark 14:32-42 The Voice)
Jesus must have felt so alone at this time. He knew what He was about to face, and He was at a point of great pain, and pleading with His Father, but He was alone. He had taken His three closest followers with Him to the garden to pray, but it seemed all they could do was sleep. And then beyond that, Peter was about to deny Jesus three times. Again, how important is it to stay awake, to stay alert.
Oh Lord, I do want to stay awake, to stay alert. My prayer is again today; not my will but Your will for my life. You are faithful, and I do trust You. AMEN
Bless the Lord, the God of Israel, who lives forever from eternal ages past. Amen and amen! Psalm 41
]]>