WALKING INTO THE GARDEN
Matthew 26:36-46 and Mark 14:32-42

As Jesus faced His most difficult and trying time, he went to Mount Olives into the garden of Gethsemane, and there He went into the presence of the Father, so that in a dreadful agony He can pour out His grief. In prayer He said to the Father, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet not as I will, but as You will” (Matt. 26:39). Though Jesus struggled against the imminent pain and death, He was willingly submitted to the will of the Father. He perfectly knew that the redemptive plan requires His life.

This is what submission to God means; it is not the twisting of God’s arm in prayer that He may grant what we want, but the acceptance of what He wants be done in our life. Life, ministry, mission and worship are not about what we want to do for God, rather it is all about what God wants us to do that will bring glory, honor and praise unto Him.
But when it seems that the reality of His will is hard to accept, that what He allows us to go through seems tough, and then we take a time off to withdraw from everything and just be alone with Him in a quiet place. In moment of solitude we might not find rest and peace but it is just simply to be in the presence of God so we may reason with Him (Isa. 1:18). In our misery we may agonize before Him thus allowing His presence overwhelm us with His joy (Ps. 16:11), and in our weakness His joy will be the source of our strength (Neh. 8:10).

Where do you draw strength in times of troubles and in moments of weakness? Is it sufficient enough to give you strength? Why?

MEMORY VERSE
    Be gracious to me, O God, be gracious to me, for my soul takes refuge in You; and in the shadow of Your wings I will take refuge until destruction passes by. I will cry to God Most High, to God who accomplishes all things for me. (Psalm 57:1-2)

by Pastor Dennis Mongoso
BreadCom Discipleship Pastor

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