CHRISTIAN DEVOTIONAL

Not My Will, But God's Will

Garden of Gethsemane

It is not always easy to submit to God's will, when we are going through very difficult problems and trials. Jesus taught, ministered to and healed many people. It was Jesus' custom to get away from the crowds from time to time, to refresh his spirit and pray. One of these times of praying was when Jesus was praying at the Garden of Gethsemane, just before his death.

Matthew, Mark and Luke record the account of Jesus and his disciples at the Garden of Gethsemane. These accounts gives us an example of how Jesus prayed and submitted to God's will. Jesus knew that he had difficult times ahead, such as being arrested, on trail, physical abuse, being denied and deserted by close friends, his death and the ultimate - a time of separation from God. I believe Jesus was feeling a tremendous weight on his shoulders. It says that Jesus began to become sorrowful and troubled and he states to Peter, James and John, "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me." Then he withdrew about a stones throw away and fell with his face to the ground and prayed, "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will." The Gospel of Mark reports, Jesus as saying, "Abba, Father, everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will."

Jesus went back and found his earthly support team (the disciples) sleeping. He rebuked them and then went a second time to pray. He prayed, "My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done." Returning to the disciples, he again found them sleeping. This time he said nothing to his disciples, but went again for the third time and prayed the same prayer. Regarding the third time Jesus went to pray, Luke's account states an angle from heaven appeared to Jesus and strengthened him. After being in anguish, Jesus prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground. Jesus asked God, if the cup of his suffering and death could be removed, but prayed that God's will would be done.

Through these verses, we can see the agony that Jesus was facing as he poured out his feelings and his heart to God. What areas of your life do you feel are out of control? What are you facing that is causing you worry, anxiety or paralyzing you with fear? Are you facing financial problems, health problems, employment problems, relationship problems, family problems or problems at church? I encourage you to follow the example of Christ, by submitting to God's will even through the difficult times. Take time to go to God in prayer, lifting up your feelings, concerns, fears and pain to him. Surrendering your will to God, as Jesus did in the Garden of Gethsemane and then watch for the miracles that God will do in your life. Surrendering your will to God, is an act of obedience and faith, which God will honor.

Vicki Berchtold