“And He withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and He knelt down and began to pray, saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done.” Now an angel from heaven appeared to Him, strengthening Him. And being in agony He was praying very fervently; and His sweat became like drops of blood, falling down upon the ground.” Luke 22:41-44

Overwhelmed. All of us have been, are currently, or will again be overwhelmed in our lives. Health, family, finances, jobs, education, friends, culture, society, government leadership, addictions, depression, loneliness, fear, spiritual health — the list goes on and on. Something as simple as a cloudy day or something someone says or does not say can set off that overwhelmed feeling.

Jesus, the incarnate (invested with bodily and especially human nature and form) Son of God, was also overwhelmed. How did He handle it and what can be learned from His example? Jesus poured out His heart to God in prayer. He was honest in His request, “…if You are willing, remove this cup from Me…” He understood and accepted that His request might not be what was best, “yet not My will, but Yours be done.” God answered the prayer. He did not remove the task that was overwhelming to Jesus, but rather provided an angel to strengthen Him and guide Him through.

God will do the same for you and me. Do not surrender to, or just accept, living an overwhelmed life. Jeremiah 29:11…”For I know the plans I have for you.” Declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” We know the full outcome of Jesus’ prayer and we celebrate it at Easter.

Blessings,

~ Mark Knapp – Beck’s Chaplain