Read:
Jesus Prays on the Mount of Olives
39 And he came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed him. 40 And when he came to the place, he said to them, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation.” 41 And he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, 42 saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” 43 And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him. 44 And being in agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.[a] 45 And when he rose from prayer, he came to the disciples and found them sleeping for sorrow, 46 and he said to them, “Why are you sleeping? Rise and pray that you may not enter into temptation.” (Luke 22:39-46)
Reflect:
“What are my other options?” This is the question I like to ask when I’m not a big fan of my current possibilities. If someone said, “James, I can poke you in the eye, give you multiple paper cuts, or punch you in the throat” I’d likely say, “I’m not a big fan of 1, 2, or 3! Do I have any other options?” Jesus suffered more than you or I could even begin to imagine. He knew it was coming. It didn’t catch him off guard. But it’s also safe to say he wasn’t thrilled with the prospect. “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me.” Right now, if you are facing something difficult, challenging, or painful, it’s ok to ask God to take it away.
“Uncle!” When I was a kid I would wrestle with my dad. He toyed with me. He’d pretend that I would get in a few good licks, but then his brute strength would overpower me. “Uncle” was the word for submission. “Uncle” meant, “I’m done. I tap out. I’m not fighting any more.” Jesus asked his Father to remove his suffering. And then he submitted. “Not my will, but yours, be done.” Jesus was obedient to death. Even death on a cross.
“And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him.” In his hour of need the disciples slept, but help arrived. God sent “an angel from heaven” to strengthen Christ. Sometimes God sends a friend, but all the time He sends himself. Remember, you are not forgotten in your hour of need. God is with you. His Spirit has not left you. His presence is promised.
Respond:
Let’s talk. This is prayer. When Jesus was pressed, Jesus prayed. Maybe it’s time for you to have a conversation with God right now. Share what is on your heart.
Ask. Are you feeling pressed today? Do you feel like you’re right in the middle of a season of suffering? It’s ok to ask God to take it away. He multiples bread and raises the dead. Nothing is too difficult for Him.
Submit. “Not my will, but yours, be done.” I need to remind myself this truth about a hundred times a day. My plan for my life is not always the same thing as God’s plan for my life. I know, it’s crazy. The story I have written for my life is not always published in His book. But God