Preparation for Struggles
On His way to the cross, Jesus spent some time in a garden. Matthew 26:36-46 records that garden event as the greatest struggle of our Lord in His humanity. Jesus’ experience reveals
some essential preparation for life’s struggles. First, develop an intimate support network of believers—“[He] said to the disciples, ‘Sit here while I go and pray over there.’ And He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee … He said to them, ‘… Stay here and watch with Me.’” (vv. 36-38) We need support for strength during difficult times. Keep them close: “Sit here.” Call them to prayer: ”Watch with Me.” There are times in this life when we really need faithful support. Second, develop an allegiance to God’s will for your life—“[He] prayed, saying, ‘O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.’” (v. 39) Everything Jesus did was dependent on the Father’s word and will. Don’t miss the enormity of this. The agony of the garden included dejection, anguish, and horror of in His mind; the state of being surrounded with sorrows, overwhelmed with miseries, and almost swallowed up with terror and dismay. We must be prepared to drink of the bitterest cup which God puts into our hands. Our human nature will struggle, but we must be willing to submit to God’s will for our life. Third, develop an awareness of the enemy’s strategies—“Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (v. 41) Satan’s strategies are seen here. He seeks to take advantage of our human nature. He knows it is weak. And he encourages a false sense of security, leading to false rest and sleep. We need to be constantly alert to the enemy’s traps of temptation—because Satan, like a good fisherman, baits his hook according to the appetite of the fish.
Sin cera, Erik
Erik O. Garthe is Associate Pastor at Canton Baptist Church in Baltimore, Maryland.