byEaster is a memorable season in the Christian calendar every year, and I hope you are celebrating (or planning to celebrate it well). But can I surprise you with something crucial you need to learn from the scriptures this season, just in case you haven’t thought of it? It is how Jesus prepared to go through a difficult situation—His crucifixion through prayer.
Prayer in Gethsemane
Before Judas Iscariot came to the Garden of Gethsemane with armed soldiers to betray Jesus, Jesus prayed for long hours. Nobody knows how long Jesus prayed, but it was long enough for Him to return twice only to find His disciples sleeping (see Matthew 26:39-43). My question is, why did Jesus pray for that long, especially concerning asking God for Him to take away the cup of suffering from Him (that is, He should skip crucifixion)? I tell you that it wasn’t only because Jesus did not want to die but because He needed strength to go through what was before Him. Today, that same principle goes to you.
Sometimes, God doesn’t remove the issue but rather empowers us to go through it.
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New level, new devil
Every new level in life God raises you to, attracts new devils. Jesus was progressing from the state of being the sole bearer of salvation to becoming the captain of salvation for the whole humanity (see Hebrews 2:9-10). That meant that He would meet evil people influenced by the devil to crucify Him, and indeed, He did meet them. But because of the prayer, He was strengthened enough to endure that situation.
Pray for strength
When Jesus was before Pilate, He could have defended Himself so that Pilate could set Him free. But He kept quiet. He was so quiet that Pilate questioned whether He knew that he (Pilate) could crucify or set Him (Jesus) free (see John 19:10).
Sometimes, God doesn’t remove the issue but rather empowers us to go through it. If Jesus never promised us a problem-free life, then surely it’s not every issue you’ll tell Him to remove from your life that He’ll listen to you. As a matter of fact, some are needed for your growth. Maybe you are not having the best of bliss in this Easter season. But learn from what Jesus did in that season and be encouraged that you’ll get over the issue before you.
You’re a blessing.
