This is the one time in Christ's life when we see the slightest hint of fear. Fear by itself is not sin, but the way that we respond to it can become sin. Jesus did not allow His fear of enduring God's wrath to lead Him into sin (1 John 3:5), but He responded the way we all need to respond whenever we face a fearful situation:
He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, "O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will." (Matthew 26:39 NKJV)
Jesus does three things here that we need to emulate. First of all, Jesus went a little farther , meaning He separated Himself from Peter, James, and John. When fear hits us, the first thing we need to do is get alone with God. Getting together with others can be a great blessing, but it can also be a distraction from fellowshipping with the One we need to meet with the most. Second, Jesus fell on His face, and prayed. It is impossible to overestimate the importance of prayer in the Christian life. We simply cannot experience a relationship with God without prayer, and Jesus shows us that it is indispensable when it comes to facing our fears. Last, He said, ". . . not as I will, but as You will." Christ's statement is an expression of His complete trust in His Father's loving wisdom, which would only allow Him to do what was right and best, and in His Father's ability to control all things.
The next time we're feeling fearful, we need to get alone with God. As we open our hearts in prayer to Him, we should remember that He is in complete control and that He will only allow what will ultimately be best for us.
Article from GodSpeaks devotional (:
Love,
Mel (:
8:55 AM, & i live by faith and not by sight for you
