I was blown away this morning reading Mark 14:32-50. So many spiritual life lessons packed into this block of scripture. Below is just one of the lessons God impressed on my heart today...
“And Jesus found them sleeping, and He said to Peter, "Are you asleep? Could you not watch for an hour? WATCH and PRAY... lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." Mark 14:37-38
+ WATCH... Be alert at all times
+ PRAY... Communicate w/ God
= TRUST & HOPE in Him
Why did Jesus command His team to watch and pray? What was He preparing them for? Oh my, reading further we see in Mark 14:41-50 soldiers come to arrest Jesus and take Him by force. In the confusion and shock, how did all of His disciples respond in the end? Get ready for this... They ALL deserted Jesus and fled! Why? Because of FEAR! Every last one of them ran from the scene out of fear they would be arrested too.
So, why did Jesus encourage His disciples not just once, but three times to watch and pray in the garden? In preparation for what was to come! To trust not fear in times of unrest.
ENCOURAGEMENT:
+ WATCH... Be alert at all times
+ PRAY... Communicate w/ God
= TRUST & HOPE in Him
All of us face unprecedented times. God’s Word brings comfort, direction, and hope. I’m more than ever, encouraged through this time of unique stillness to WATCH what God is doing in the midst of this world crisis. PRAY more than ever for God to be glorified in the midst of the chaos. And, to trust Jesus in all things!
"Lord God, thank You for Your Word that prepares and teaches us how to live victoriously through Jesus. Please help us choose to trust You fully when things don’t make sense. Help us learn from the disciples why Jesus asked them to watch and pray because He knew what they would soon face... Fear or Trust. Help us hold tight to Jesus and not run from Him when things appear bleak and out of control. Thank you that through it all You are God and we are not. In Jesus precious and Holy name. Amen.”