Adapted from a March 2010 interactive Living Room devotional.

 

Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”

Matthew 26:39

 

This was Christ’s prayer at Gethsemane the night before his crucifixion as he relinquished control to his Father. He surrendered himself—all his fears and pain—in absolute trust to his Father’s care.

As always, Jesus is giving us an example, one his followers ought to follow. Do you believe that God is the only One in control? If you do, you should be able to let go of many of the stresses of these weeks and months and let him take care of them. This is the way to peace and freedom, even in the times we face today.

When Jesus prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me,” he seemed stressed.

But look at what he says next: “Yet not as I will, but as you will.” With that he has left it all up to his Father and—I’m sure—found a measure of peace.

When we surrender to God, we’re demonstrating love, faith, and trust in him. And when God sees us do that, he’s able to work mightily in and through our lives.

You may remember All to Jesus, I Surrender. A beautiful song. I hope you’ll listen.

marja