Jesus went to the garden to pray...Matthew 26:39
Jesus knew what his heavenly Father wanted him to do. The primary purpose of his time on earth was to sacrifice his life to save others. The time was drawing near when that purpose would be fulfilled. Jesus did what he always did when faced with a stressful situation. He prayed.
Jesus's prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane reveals the internal struggle he was facing. Throughout the Bible, the phrase God's cup figuratively holds either blessing or punishment. The cup before Jesus held the punishment the entire world deserved - separation from God. When Jesus asked God to remove "this cup." he was not wrestling with what God wanted him to accomplish. If Jesus wanted to avoid arrest, all he had to do was go into hiding. During the Passover season, Jerusalem was filled with pilgrims. Jesus could have easily avoided his familiar routines and blended in with the crowd. Instead, he went to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray, as he was known to do.
In that garden, Jesus asked God to revise his plans. Jesus felt free to ask for what he wanted, but willingly accepted God's answer, whatever it would be. When you want to know what God wants you to do, follow Jesus's example.
Be honest about your hopes and desires. Then act on God's answer, even if it takes you in a different direction from where you want to go. God sees the big picture. You can trust him to lead you where you need to go.
Selah people' and friends God may ask you to do difficult things. Feel free to ask him to provide another way. Just remember that his answer may be to provide the strength you need to move ahead as planned. I look forward to moving ahead as we grow together in Christ.
"Peace and joy be ours as we choose God's way and set our way aside."
Your pastor,
Rev Patrick Muston (PreacherPatrick)
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