Jesus, wishing to avoid the crucifixion prayed in the garden of Gethsemane saying, in Matthew 26: 39, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet not that I want but what you want.” Although Jesus had come to die to save the world, the prayer suggests that he probably wished to avoid or delay or vary its timing or incident. He however was ready to do God’s will nevertheless. We will dilate on the second and third sections of the prayer as follows:
When does God change his decision?
Jesus prayed saying, “let this cup pass from me”. Jesus knew what he was to go through. The thought of his sheep he was leaving behind at the mercy of the enemy was also on his mind. If the cup of these circumstances were to pass from him, the better it would be for him. God however did not let the cup pass from Jesus but he had to drink from it. We sometimes wonder why God does allow such pain without intervening even when we think we have been true to him as Jesus was?
When our faith is tested
Sometimes, God allows our faith to be tested. James 1: 2-4 say my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of any kind, consider it nothing but joy, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance, and let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking in nothing. God himself does not tempt anyone. James 1:13 says no one, when tempted, should say, “I am being tempted by God”, for God cannot be tempted by evil and he himself tempts no one.
Sometimes, it is to test how genuine our faith is. 1Peter 1: 6-7 say, in this you rejoice, even if now for a little while you have had to suffer various trials, so that the genuineness of your faith–being more precious than gold that, though perishable, is tested by fire–may be found to result in praise and glory and honour when Jesus Christ is revealed. To God, faith is our currency with God. Hebrews 11: 6 says and without faith it is impossible to please God, for whoever would approach him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. We cannot believe in God yet have no faith in him.
When it is to fulfill God’s plan
Some of the trials we go through allow God’s plans for us to be realized. God has a plan for each of us. Jeremiah 29: 11 says for surely I know the plans I have for you, says the LORD, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope. God’s approach to realizing his welfare plan for us differs from our approach and expectation. Isaiah 55: 8 says for my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways, says the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.
God’s decisions and ways are sacrosanct. Proverbs 16: 4 says the LORD has made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the day of trouble. God planned everyone’s life before he or she was conceived in his or her mother’s womb. Nothing is by chance or luck or an accident but by God’s design. our lives even before we were conceived in our mothers’ wombs. If God allows us to go through trials, then it is for a good course though we may not know. Romans 8: 28 says we know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. Therefore, every moment of our lives must be treated with reverence to God who made all things.
What is the relevance of God’s will?
Jesus concluded his prayer saying, “yet not that I want but what you want.” In spite of his request, he wanted God’s will to prevail against his will or to align his will with God’s will. There was a justifiable reason for this. Jesus said in Matthew 7: 21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven. Doing God’s will is what God cherishes most as the only qualifying ground for heaven. Jesus’ priority was therefore the right one.
Jesus knew only God could give him the strength and grace he needed to go through the impending crucifixion. We read from Job 12: 13-14, “With God are wisdom and strength; he has counsel and understanding. If he tears down, no one can build; if he shuts someone in, no one can open up. In God’s will is strength and wisdom. Jeremiah 18: 6 says can I not do with you, O house of Israel, just as this potter has done? Says the LORD. Paul referred to what Jesus said of God’s strength in 2 Corinthians 12: 9, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” How is God’s will relevant to us?
God provides for those who love him
Although God answered Jesus in the negative, Jesus did not complain but accepted it in good faith. Had God answered Jesus in the affirmative, the world would not have been saved nor saved through his blood. He was the only one qualified and none besides him. Acts 4: 12 says there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven among mortals by which we must be saved.
We are not alone whatever the circumstances. Matthew 28: 20 says I am with you always, to the end of the age. God will always provide a way by his will, though not as we may expect to prosper our souls. 1Corinthians 10: 13 states, no testing has overtaken you that is not common to everyone. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tested beyond your strength. God says in Psalms 50: 15, call on me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me. What bitter cup are we running from?
Prayer
Dear Lord Jesus Christ, when the way seems dark and our strength begins to fail, help us to always take up to you. Whatever be the outcome, remind us that all things work together for our good and on this, we shall accept your will without complaint. Let our prayer be, Lord, not our will but your Lord your will be done in our lives. We pray in your holy name, Amen!!
Send us your prayer request so we may join you in prayer
0 Comments