Not My Will

Scripture: 36 At that, Jesus led His disciples to the place called Gethsemane. Jesus: “I am going over there to pray. You sit here while I’m at prayer .” 37 Then He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee with Him, and He grew sorrowful and deeply distressed. Jesus: 38 “My soul is overwhelmed with grief, to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with Me.” 39 He walked a little farther and finally fell prostrate and prayed. Jesus: “Father, this is the last thing I want . If there is any way, please take this bitter cup from Me. Not My will, but Yours be done.” 40 When He came back to the disciples, He saw that they asleep. Peter awoke a little less confident and slightly chagrined. Jesus: “So you couldn’t keep watch with Me for just one short hour? Now maybe you’re learning: the spirit is willing, but the body is weak Watch and pray and take care that you are not pulled down during a time of testing.” 42 With that, Jesus returned to His secluded spot to pray again. Jesus: “Father, if there is no other way for this cup to pass without My drinking it— then not My will , but Yours be done.” 43 Again Jesus returned to His disciples and found them asleep. Their eyes were heavy-lidded. 44 So Jesus left them again and returned to prayer, praying the same sentiments with the same words. 45 Again He returned to His disciples. Jesus: “Well, you are still sleeping; are you getting a good long rest? Now the time has come; the Son of Man is just about to be given over to the betrayers and the sinners. 46 Get up; we have to be going. Look, here comes the one who’s going to betray Me.” (Matthew 26:36-46 The Voice) Jesus must have felt so very alone at this time. He had taken His closest disciples with Him, and yet all they seemed able to do was sleep. He was overwhelmed with what He was aware was about to happen. And yet with all of this pain and sorrow, He still was able to say to His Father, ”not My will , but Yours be done.” I believe there are times, probably many times, as followers of Jesus that we will come to a place where we can and should make that same statement with an honest heart before God. Father, that is my desire. You and I know that is not always, will not always, be easy, but it is still my desire. Thank You for Your love and patience with me. I love You. AMEN O Lord, You are so good, so ready to forgive, so full of unfailing love for all who ask Your aid. I will pray and You will answer. Psalm 86
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