SEP 7

Luke 22:39-43
Memorise Luke 22:42b
“…nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.”

Just before going to Gethsemane, Christ had instituted the Lord’s Supper and foretold of both Judas’ betrayal and Peter’s denial. In a matter of hours, He, the master would be betrayed by a disciple’s kiss, an armed crowd would come to arrest Him, and all His beloved disciples would desert Him. A farce of a trial would ensue, culminating in a long, painful and humiliating death on the cross. Between these events, there in the peaceful garden of Gethsemane, Christ went to pray, to commune with His Father. He prayed for strength to do the Father’s will. Christ, being fully man was fearful of His impending death. His humanity was being tested. Despite all the failings of the people around Him, His Heavenly Father did not desert Him. The Father sent an angel to strengthen the Son. Luke is the only gospel account that mentions how the Lord was strengthened. In what way did the angel strengthen Christ? We do not know. But we know with the appearance of the angel, a messenger from the Father, that the Father heard His Son’s prayer, and His presence was with His Son. We also know Christ’s prayer was answered because He was subsequently able to obey the Father’s will and die willingly on the cross.

It is not easy to have faith that God will strengthen us in times of great trials. Often we lack faith, we feel as though God is so far, or has forgotten us. We doubt the power of prayer. We forget God altogether and rely on our own wisdom and strength. Sometimes, we just do not want to pray because we do not want to do God’s will. We do not want strength. As Christ’s humanity was tested in His final hours, He sought the quiet solitude where He looked to the Father for strength, praying, believing that His prayer would be answered. Retreat to your prayer closet when you need strength! Angels may not appear now to instruct, strengthen, or confirm God’s will in our lives. But what we have are godly counsel from friends, family, and church leaders to instruct and encourage us to obey. We have the Word of God which tells us what God’s will is. If you desire to do God’s will and pray that His Will be done, surely He will strengthen you. God delights and desires for you to do His will. If your faith in God’s faithfulness or ability to strengthen you has grown weak, reflect on His faithfulness that has seen you through your life’s trials thus far. Did He give you enough strength to endure them? Surely He has, and He always will. If only we would ask.

Thought: What is the antidote to fear and lack of faith that God will enable you to do His will? More prayer or less?
Prayer: LORD, I know you answer prayer. Give me the strength to do Your will, not mine.