Daily Devotional for February 19, 2010

February 19 ~ Matthew 26:36-39
Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane. When they got there, he told them, "Sit here while I go over there and pray."
Jesus took along Peter and the two brothers, James and John. He was very sad and troubled, and he said to them, "I am so sad that I feel as if I am dying. Stay here and keep awake with me." Jesus walked on a little way. Then he knelt with his face to the ground and prayed, "My Father, if it is possible, don't make me suffer by having me drink from this cup. But do what you want, and not what I want."

Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.

Do you ever feel discouraged? Do you ever feel a little bit ashamed to admit this? Given all that God has done in your life – how blessed we are to live in America – all of the freedom and blessings we possess – doesn’t it seem like we are whining when we ask God to lift our burdens? And yet, we have an example of the only perfect person – Jesus Christ – asking God to prevent horrific events in His life. Even Jesus asked God for help.

There are two points to glean from this passage today. Even though we know that God will manage things for us, we all get discouraged from time to time and begin to lose a little faith. This is human nature – and in large part it is because we are allowing Satan to creep into some corner of our life. But there is a quick way out… ask God to help. Pour out your feelings to Him and admit that you are discouraged and your faith has weakened a bit, and allow Him to work in and through you to improve things.

The other point is that, while Jesus asked God to remove this “cup” – the torture and crucifixion that was coming – He prayed, “if it is possible” – or in some translations, He says (paraphrasing) “Your will, not Mine.” And we all know that God’s will (painful though it was for Him) was for Jesus to suffer… so that all of US could be saved and live for Eternity with Him. So, we must ask God for everything “if it is possible.” We must ask for God’s help, according to HIS will, not ours. And we must trust that God never answers poorly… He always gives us exactly what we need and what is best for His purposes and the bigger plan.

There is NOTHING we can’t share with God. There is NOTHING we can’t tell Him – NOTHING we can’t ask. Pour out your heart to Him today and receive His answers. Remember to say, “if it is possible,” and to trust His response.

©2009 Debbie Robus