April 25

The Strength to Go On

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 59:14-17| Judges 4:1-5:31| Luke 22:35-53| Proverbs 14:3-4

Today’s Scripture Focus:  Luke 22:35-53

When he rose from prayer and went back to the disciples, he found them asleep, exhausted from sorrow. [46] “Why are you sleeping?” he asked them. “Get up and pray so that you will not fall into temptation” (Luke 22:45-46 NIV). 

Facing denial, betrayal, mocking, scourging and a cruel painful death on a cross, Jesus went to his usual place to pray: The Mount of Olives. This solitary place was a regular place of refuge for Jesus where he would pour out his heart to the Father.

He was tempted, as we all are, to take the easy way out. But he didn’t give in to the temptation. Strengthened by an angel, he resisted and persevered in prayer.

He, like his disciples, was undoubtedly exhausted by sorrow from the difficulties of the past week, and the prospect of the future. But unlike the disciples who fell asleep, he pressed in to the heart of the father and found the strength that he needed to resist temptation and take the needed steps of obedience under the Father’s direction.

We all have times where we face temptation. We all have times where the circumstances we face seem overwhelming. There are times when what God calls us to do seems more than we are able to handle. In those times, Jesus example reminds us that the best thing we can do is go to our solitary place where we pour out our heart to the Father and look for his strength.

Father, when I am facing times of trial and temptation help me to run to you, to pour out my heart to you, to wait upon you. You are my Rock, my Fortress, my Deliverer, my Ever Present Help in Trouble. Fill me with joy, with peace and help me to overflow with hope. Amen.