Mark 14:32-36

(NIV)
32 They went to a place called Gethsemane, and Jesus said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” 33 He took Peter, James and John along with him, and he began to be deeply distressed and troubled. 34 “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death,” he said to them. “Stay here and keep watch.”
35 Going a little farther, he fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from him. 36 “Abba,[a] Father,” he said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.”

I have never felt the depth of agony that Jesus did on this night. How often have I prayed that God would take my own trouble and grief and hardship from me? Yet in my selfishness I have not wanted His will. Jesus knew God’s will included the bitter cup that was coming. He allowed himself to express his grief to God, then he accepted the cup. He drank even the dregs of the cup that God gave him, the cup of God’s wrath. May we never tack on the phrase of accepting God’s will just to give God an out from answering our prayers, but truly accept His will over our own comfort and desires.

Lord, give me the grace to accept the sorrow and pain and trouble that You have ordained for me.
Give me the strength to endure whatever comes.
Give me the integrity to stand firm, whatever the opposition may be.
Give me the humility to yield to Your plan.
Give me the patience and the hope to endure till the end.
Glorify Yourself in me.

©Rebecca A Givens, 07/02/11