Surrender to God’s will
By Dean Collins
It is normal to want to avoid agony. No one looks forward to the emotional or physical pain of difficult health or life situations. While positive thinking may help some, the best strategy to persevering through our toughest times is to surrender to God’s will.
Consider the difference in the disciples’ reactions to the arrest of Jesus compared to the Lord’s. First, we must consider that Jesus told his disciples at least three times that he would die and be raised from the dead. It was no secret to the disciples that the religious hierarchy wanted to get Jesus out of their way. As we read Matthew 26, Jesus makes clear what was going to happen.
After Judas left the upper room, the twelve followed Jesus to the Mount of Olives. As they walked, Jesus told them that they would all fall away from him on this evening. As he often did, he quoted prophecy that said as much: “I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.” Loyalty to the cause or to a person can lead one to argue, which is exactly what Peter did when he announced that everyone else might fall away, but not him. Peter claimed to be all in! “Even if I must die with you, I will not deny you!” And all the rest of the disciples chimed in that they were going all the way with Jesus.
Jesus kept walking until he got to the place in the garden where we wanted to pray. He asked Peter, James, and John to stay close by while he went a little further from them to pray. I suspect that you have gone to sit with friends when they are facing a surgery or some extremely difficult situation. Having those who love us close by in our difficulties can provide some peace and assurance. I think it would be normal and maybe even expected that in those times of offering support, we pray and not sleep.
But the wine from dinner seemed to weaken the will of Peter, James, and John, and they slept while Jesus prayed. Self-confidence can only take you so far. The same is true of self-medication.
Alone in his prayers, Jesus asked his Father that if it was possible, to let this cup pass from him. Remember, Jesus knew that he would rise from the dead. He had no doubt that he would live again. But in his humanity, he did not want to experience the agony of bearing the weight and shame of humanity’s sin because he knew his Father would have to turn his head. But as Jesus continued his prayer he said, “Not as I will, but as you will.” Complete surrender.
The contrast of the disciples’ self-confidence against Jesus who surrendered to God’s will is the key to how we can approach difficult and seemingly impossible situations. When Jesus surrendered to his Father’s will, he still had to endure suffering. But his surrender also produced his and our ultimate victory. His victory over sin allows us to experience forgiveness and victory as well.
It is not our self-confidence that brings victory over sin, just as our self-confidence cannot get us through our tough moments in life. It is our surrender to God’s will and our confidence that God goes with us through every difficulty and impossible situation that allows us to sleep in peace and face whatever comes tomorrow.
When our self-esteem and self-assurance is rooted in our identity in Christ and his promises, we will have the strength to endure whatever comes our way. Knowing that God loves us, forgives us, and walks with us, even through the valley of the shadow of death, is better than any self-confidence we can muster.
Father, we admit our inability to be victorious over sin. We surrender our fears about every difficulty that we face. We ask that your will be done in us and in every situation we face. We trust in your amazing love and immeasurable mercy and grace. You are our victory. We rest in you today for the victories that are ours in Christ. In his name, Amen.
Your Time with God’s Word
Matthew 26:30-35, 39 ESV
Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash
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