PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Mark 14:37-42
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.” (Mark 14:38)
Does Jesus see this as weakness… that their “flesh is weak”.
Being tired is natural, but unfortunately it can happen in times of temptation.
Jesus himself is battle the willing spirit vs the weak flesh.
He is pleading for the cup to pass, while submitting his will to God’s.
The temptation is not to sleep, the temptation is to run when things go bad.
They need to pray and watch to prepare to stand firm when tempted to flee.
Tiredness is a reality, but I have also found it a problem when tempted.
It makes me moody, careless, and less diligent than I need to be.
Satan knows this and targets me when I’m tired; these are risky moments.
Jesus is not rebuking them for sleeping, but warning them to prepare.
Sleep is necessary, but in certain moments, it can make us vulnerable.
I need to keep watch and pray, especially if I’m emotionally, physically done.
This is when I am most vulnerable to negative thoughts and feelings of defeat.
Can I find a way to watch and pray AND rest in Jesus?
PRAYER
Lord, I know how tiredness affects me. I need sleep, but I also need to watch and pray. Help me to find a way to renew my spirit and flesh at the same time.
I find this so true: “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” It’s like Apostle Paul saying in Romans 7:19 “For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do–this I keep on doing.” How can I maintain or gain control over my own desires that stand in the way of having a pure desire to do what Jesus would have me do? I’m learning but I find at times I flounder! Help me Holy Spirit to do as well as want to do what I should! Help me overcome my own will and desires that can stand in the way!
Faithfulness.
Faithlessness.
The disciples and I among them fall short. During tough times what do I do? Take it all to the Lord in prayer? Or fall asleep? I need watchfulness. Staying awake in the hour of need. Stay awake for God’s presence. Stay awake for His return for He will return for we do not know the time when He will. Keep awake for He will come and deliver. In the meantime, pray and work and watch. Be an instrument of His peace. He will come and redeem His people and they/we/I need to stay awake and watch.
1
What a Friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit,
O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer!
2
Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged,
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful
Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness,
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
3
Are we weak and heavy-laden,
Cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge—
Take it to the Lord in prayer;
Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?
Take it to the Lord in prayer;
In His arms He’ll take and shield thee,
Thou wilt find a solace there.