42 “Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” 43 Then an angel from heaven appeared and strengthened him. 44 He prayed more fervently, and he was in such agony of spirit that his sweat fell to the ground like great drops of blood. Luke 22:42-44 (NLT)
These words of Jesus are taken from the scene when He is on the cross and suffering for the sin of the world.
A few facts exist here:
1. Jesus could call down legions of angels to fight on His behalf.
2. Jesus is God and could have come down off that cross.
3. Jesus’ love for every person held Him on that cross to finish the mission He started.
Jesus was fully suffering. He was in such agony that His sweat was like drops of blood. The passion of the Christ is so vivid, and if the will of God could have been accomplished any other way, Jesus was asking for the alternative.
“Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” In these darkest moments, more than wanting to be comforted, more than wanting to be released from the mission, Jesus wanted the will of God – the price for sin to be paid once and for all, only accomplished by the sacrificial death of our Savior.
Jesus is our model of letting go of our desires and surrendering to the will of God. Jesus is the model of how hard this is to do. Though we will not be hung on a cross, there will be crossroads in life where we must lay down our plans, hopes, and dreams, and follow God’s perfect plan. I have seen this in my own life. Yes, it may be ugly and difficult, but it will be worth it!
LET’S PRAY
Dear God,
I confess I have run ahead of You and made my own path for my life, often making a mess of things. Your plan is so much better. You have plans to prosper and bless me, and not to harm me. Help me surrender my way for Your way. Initially, it may be disappointing but in the long run, I know You will provide more than I can even dream. Thank You for being a loving, caring Father. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.