The Hard Place Called Gethsemane

They went to a place called Gethsemane, and Jesus said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” Mark 14:32 (NIV) 

Figuratively, we will all have our Gethsemane. For Jesus, it was the point at which He surrendered His will to the Father as He faced the greatest trial of His life. Given a human body like our own He was subject to fatigue, mental and emotional exhaustion, and a fear of pain and suffering. 

"Gethsemane" comes in many forms for us. Perhaps it is a diagnosis of cancer, the loss of a loved one, the pain of divorce, a wasting disease, any overwhelming event that takes us to the brink of despair. 

 “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death,” he said to them. “Stay here and keep watch.” Mark 14:34 (NIV) 

When a terrible ordeal brings you to the brink of despair you have met your "Gethsemane". When you are out of strength and hope is fading fast, when you can see no light at the end of the tunnel, there are two choices before you: Either surrender and give up, or you can give it to God. 

 “Abba, Father,” he said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.” Mark 14:36 (NIV) 

I do not know what your "Gethsemane" might be, but we are all there at one point in time. There are situations that only God can get you out of or get you through. Faith, trust in God, is paramount to surviving your "Gethsemane". 

Jesus is not only our example, He is the One who stands with us in our battles and guides us down our dark paths through deadly situations. He has gone before us, facing death and conquering it. When you are staring down death or facing any terrible event call upon Jesus, He knows the way through and will lead you past the trial to the other side. 

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for everything You went through for us. And thank You for being our example of how to trust the Father no matter what challenges we face. Amen. 

Karlton Douglas 

Copyright 2017