Finding the Light in God's "No!"预览

DAY 2

DISCIPLES

I am so glad you are here with me again today; welcome back! This week’s topic of God answering prayers with a “No!” is very near to my heart. I have experienced my world turning upside down because of the “No!” God has given me multiple times.

I understand it is a difficult answer to receive. Yesterday, we learned our Scripture for this week is right before Jesus is crucified on the cross. Jesus had performed many miracles and taught God’s Word to thousands, yet He was nearing the end of His earthly ministry and struggling.

Jesus knew what was ahead. He knew the pain He would incur for the sins of the world. Jesus had just finished spending time with His disciples at the Passover, foretelling them what events would take place soon after.

Today, I want to start with Luke 22:39-40:

39 Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and His disciples followed Him. 40 On reaching the place, He said to them, “Pray that you will not fall into temptation.”

As Jesus approached the Mount of Olives, He had His disciples with Him. These disciples had followed Jesus throughout His earthly ministry. These were men who knew Him best and had supported Him in the best way they humanly could.

As Jesus prepared to pray in solitude, He knew the human nature of His disciples, and He directed them to pray so as not to fall into temptation.

The temptation of sin here that Jesus was warning might have been about failing to physically support Him. Jesus had surrounded Himself with support from those who knew Him best during His time of trial. He would go through the toughest moments, and Jesus expected His disciples to be there for Him.

However, Jesus’ human support would fail Him, and He would be left seeking support from God.

For now, I leave you with this: if you are struggling with something in life, perhaps you can relate a little to Jesus’ actions. Perhaps you have built a support system around you with people who know you best. Perhaps you have, or will, see them fail to support you in the ways you need. Maybe you have even sought God for support in your struggle.

Come back tomorrow as we learn what Jesus prays. Perhaps we will relate again.

SUICIDE & CRISIS LIFELINE: CALL OR TEXT 9-8-8