February 3, 2012

Have you ever wondered, why me?  I can't think of anyone I know that hasn't wondered that.  It is hard for us to realize that life happens and there is a purpose to the madness.  We rarely know what is going to happen from one day to the next but Christ knew. He was like us, hoping that our circumstances would go away but sometimes that just isn't the case.  The reality is; God is doing a great work in our lives even if it's painful.

We desire to know the future but with that knowledge comes great responsibility.  Look at the life of Christ and the pain and sorrow He felt in the Garden of Gethsemane.  If we are truly honest with ourselves, it's easier not to know.  And yet, if you look at the passage you will see God's mercy in His son's pain.

Luke 22: 39-46 NKJV:

     Coming out, He went to the Mount of Olives, as He was accustomed, and His disciples also followed Him.  When He came to the place, He said to them, "Pray that you may not enter into temptation."
     And He was withdrawn from them about a stone's throw, and He knelt down and prayed, saying, "Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done."Then an angel appeared to Him from heaven, strengthening Him.  And being in agony, He prayed more earnestly.  Then His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.
     When He rose up from prayer, and had come to His disciples, He found them sleeping from sorrow.  Then He said to them, "Why do you sleep? Rise up and pray, lest you enter into temptation."

Have you fallen asleep because your sorrow is too great?  Believe me, I understand.  It's easier to run away than face the facts but as Jesus stated in Luke, "Rise up."  We must rise up and pray so that we can remain strong in Him.  God did not leave Jesus, even though His disciples fell asleep.  He sent His angel to strengthen Him.  As I look upon this passage, my mind takes me to the great drops of sweat that were like blood poring to the ground.  Does that sound like a man that was happy about His future.  No, He wanted to have His father take it from Him? He was just like us.  Crying out to His father asking Him to lighten the load.  I have no idea what you are facing today but if your load is large, rise up and pray.  You can't get through it alone, so stop trying!  Give it to Christ and let Him walk along side you.

My prayer today:

Oh Lord, when I look upon Your word, I see beauty everywhere.  We fall down and You pick us up.  Even when time was near, You cried out for Your father's will to be done.  We cry out today and ask that Your will be done, today and every day.  Give us the strength to continue in prayer and give us the ability to feel Your presence.  Our sorrow may be great but You are far greater.  Lead us on our path and lift us up, as we walk through the fires of this life.  Thank you for always being near and thank you for dying for us.

Until tomorrow...