Jesus and His Disciple Praying
The setting is late Thursday night, in what we call Holy Week. Jesus and all of His disciples walk to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray. Jesus asks Peter, James and John to walk farther with him – to stay close as He prays.
Although most of us have heard the story many times, it’s one worth taking the time to truly reflect on and consider the agony Jesus felt. He was facing a gruesome death. A scene He had witnessed several times in His life. His prayers were not just to avoid this pain and suffering but to search deep within Himself to find and understand God’s will for him.
When might we have found ourselves in an agonizing situation? Have we reached out to God in such fervent prayer? Was it our first (or last) thought to do so?
Jesus said… “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death…”
and he prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”
Jesus’ prayer was also to find the strength to deal with what was coming. Although the divine course was set, Jesus was in anguish. In His human nature, He can relate to our suffering. The intensity of His struggle may be hard for us to fully comprehend, as it is much more difficult than anything we will ever face.
All of Jesus’ disciples declared that they would die before disowning Jesus, yet a few hours later, they all scattered. If we put ourselves in the disciples situation – what might we have done? It is easy for us to say we are devoted to Christ, but when we are tested, how strong are we? How solid is our faith? Is it strong enough to stand up during such a trial?
I came across a song I had not heard before, called “Gethsemane” performed by an artist I am familiar with, Paul Cardall. The song is being sung by Nathan Pacheco in Italian. I’ve attached the You Tube link here and I strongly encourage you to take a few minutes, find a quiet place, and listen to this vividly beautiful song. (I’ve shared the English lyrics with you below).
After you’ve listened, I have one last very important question for you…
What does it take to be able to say…”as you will“?
Jesus in Gethsemane
It takes unwavering trust in God’s plans and it takes prayer and obedience every step of the way. My prayer for you today is that your heart and mind are open to hearing God’s word and direction and that your trust overflows!
Gethsemane – by Paul Cardall, from his album “A New Creation”
Where there’s faith, There is a power
That you’ll discover as you choose to act and trust He knows the way
When you’re lost, He will find you
He will heal you, He’ll bind up your wounds and give you rest
Lift up your eyes to heaven and abandon all the sins that hold you down
Put aside your broken crown, You’re a child of God
A child of light, A precious soul who has hope within your eyes.
Come to me, And believe
Where There’s Love
All alone, By a tree
Gethsemane, You came to me
God is kind, He is forgiving
Our Father’s waiting, We are waiting for you to come home
Where there’s love, Where there’s love, Where there’s love
After reading the blog, I listened to the song. First eyes open, then closed. The words are poignant.
The question raised when someone is going through trials or tests would undeniably be “GOD why me?” I have learned over the years to try to view my circumstance by approaching it with the question of “GOD, why not me?” Could this moment while difficult even overwhelming be a scenario where the “impurities” within me are “refined” for a purpose?
Would my situation evolve into something worthy to share and allow others to recognize the grace and mercy of GOD that abates suffering ? Can I relinquish my iron clad grip controlling my situation in order to get out of GOD’s way and honestly trust his plan and not my own?
While I would by choice never desire to be challenged, I know my path must be forged with opportunities for growth. Moments comprised of sorrow, pain, loss and doubt are also subdued with healing, faith, joy and restoration. Recognizing my frailty provides an understanding conjoined with acceptance that GOD’s strength and courage are unwavering and that during the bleakest of moments, his love for me will prevail.
If asked, I wouldn’t truly know the purpose for my life at this moment . Suffice to say it was probably because I epitomize the biblical “work in progress”. I however, pray that my actions when and if I am confronted with adversity or tribulation will continually glorify and honor GOD, and that I will unequivocally trust that his love for me is unwavering…. Just like Jesus.
Thank you Noreen for your thoughtful attention to the blog post and as importantly, your personal message. I imagine we have all thought “why me?” on more than one occasion and therefore, your suggestion of an alternative of thinking “God, why NOT me?” is a powerful one. I smiled reading your question about relinquishing an iron clad grip on the situation, and to get out of God’s way. I often wonder how many times our loving and patient God still thinks… ok, people… REALLY? There is so much comfort in believing his love will prevail!
Please allow me to suggest that one purpose I believe you have at this moment in your life is to share with others, just as you have with this comment. This is exactly what I hope this community of believers (and as much those who might be searching), will find here At The Cross. I cherish you and your impact on my life and now others too. -Dede
Thank you for the reminder, sometimes it can be so hard to remember to listen to God’s will and to TRUST. Especially if you are in the “thick” of something. Can’t wait to see what the next series is after this one!