PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Matthew 26:36-39
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me.” (Matthew 26:39)
There was a time in the early church when christians sought martyrdom.
They wanted the honour of suffering and dying like their Messiah.
I want to be like the Messiah too, especially the “may this cup be taken from me” part.
Can’t seem to find any pleasure or point in seeking suffering or death.
Suffering of some sort goes with the job when following Jesus.
But that doesn’t mean we have to seek it out, as if suffering were the goal.
Like Jesus, we too can be “sorrowful and troubled” (37) about suffering.
But as a Jesus follower, our goal is the same as Jesus’, to do God’s will.
And God’s will is not that we suffer, but that we obey Him and do what is right.
If we “suffer for what is right” or “suffer for doing good”, we are blessed (1 Peter 3:14,17).
Deep down I want to do what is right and good, I want to do God’s will.
I’m asking that the cup of suffering pass me by, but that is not what I am seeking.
As I pray this prayer, I think of many others who are suffering horribly for Jesus.
This is my prayer for them too… “if it is possible, may this cup be taken from them.”
PRAYER
Lord, it does not seem fair that some suffer horribly for You, while others like me live in ease. I am not asking for hardship, but I do ask for a stronger determination to do what is right and good – even if it means suffering.
Jesus was human – suffering is not something you choose – it is something we work hard to avoid. It is one thing to suddenly be put into suffering: an accident, an illness that knocks me off my feet with lots of pain – but its another when facing heart surgery or other major procedure. I know its going to hurt and be uncomfortable. Jesus knew that what he would suffer is the ultimate pain- the barbaric death on a cross – trying to breathe with pain with each breath! He was praying for another way – but the answer was no – his encourage-rs were not much help – he already began his suffering for us! I will always pray that suffering may be taking away if possible – for me, for others – Jesus prayed that too!
Not my will but Yours be done.
In my living for Jesus I need Him every hour. As Jesus prayed to His Father so I too need to prayerfully go forward each day in His presence as I meet the challenges of the day. I need His strengthening powers in all I do and say. I am never alone but SpiritLed in order to be GodStrong.
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.