Finding the Light in God's "No!"Sample

DAY 3

GOD

Welcome back! Today is day three on our study of receiving a “No!” from God. Going to God in prayer is an intimate communication. When we struggle with something in life, we may find ourselves broken and asking God for help. Unfortunately, sometimes God’s answer to our prayers is not what we expect and leaves us completely shattered.

We have learned this week that Jesus, too, struggled as He was preparing Himself for the fulfillment of Scripture. Yesterday, we saw Jesus surround Himself with those who knew Him best. He simply requested they support Him during His time of struggle. Jesus knew He was up against evil and warned His disciples to pray against temptation so they would be available to support Him.

Today, we are going to see Jesus requesting support from God. Let us read Luke 22:41-42:

41 He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, 42 “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but Yours be done.”

Jesus withdrew from His disciples to have intimate communication with God. He prayed for His cup to be taken. The Greek word for cup used here in Scripture is potērion (pronounced pot-ay’-ree-on) which figuratively means fate. We know Jesus knew what was about to take place. Yet, even when Jesus knew His fate all along, at this moment, He was broken, asking God for support.

Jesus asked God to change the course of plans and redirect His life so His fate would be changed and the world's pain would pass. However, at this moment, we must also realize Jesus prayed that if this request was not aligned with God’s Will, then He would move forward. Jesus made a point in His prayer to share with God His greatest desire, yet also gave all authority to God Himself.

It can be hard during times of trial when we feel all the pain of our struggles to pray for God’s Will over our life. Even Jesus, knowing the outcome of His crucifixion, was struggling at this moment and needed strength to move on.

Praying to God in ways that only request our desires does not allow God His authority over our life. It can be difficult to pray for God’s Will in our life, as it is our human nature to assume we know what is best.

My prayer for you today is that you can give God His authority. As Jesus’ example here, it is ok to share your desires with God, but remember to accept His Will too.

I’ll see you back here tomorrow as we learn about God’s reply to Jesus.

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