Total Surrender

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

It was not possible; an angel came to strengthen Him, and this made Jesus pray even more. Here in Gethsemane, Jesus fought a battle that only He could fight. He drank the cup that only He could drink. And He did it for His Father — to save you and me.

The Word says that we must give thanks in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:18) and that we should be content with whatever situation we are in (Philippians 4:11). But when the need is great, it is very good to pour out your heart.

The cup that Jesus had to drink, we no longer have to drink — for He has already drunk it. Yet in our lives, many things can happen that make our earthly life stormy. You cannot hold God accountable. But don’t pretend to be holier than you are. Giving thanks is the antidote to complaining. Still, when there is distress, it is not pious to only give thanks without pouring out your heart before Him. Sometimes things happen in our lives so that what is inside of us will come out — and from that place, God shapes our character and draws us closer to Himself.

Our soul will always rebel against what is of God. That soul is restless within us and is commanded by the Holy Spirit to praise God. Yet it is not a weakness to pour out your heart before God. Elijah had just witnessed God’s power, and after hearing that Jezebel wanted to behead him, he fled and wished to die. God revealed Himself to Elijah, gave him food and drink, and spoke with him. Nowhere do we read that God reproached him for fleeing or for repeatedly saying that he was the only one left. God simply told Elijah that he was not alone, and Elijah went on to carry out God’s commands. And it all ended with his being taken up into heaven.

We do not know what we ought to pray for, but in our weakness, the Holy Spirit helps us. Yet if we never experience weakness, how can He help us? If nothing ever costs us anything — if there is never any struggle in a Christian’s life, and we glide over everything with a piety that does not come from God — then our relationship with Jesus is not very deep. When there are needs, do not hold them in. Cast all your cares upon Him, for He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7). He never rejects anyone who seeks Him earnestly. Seek Him and do not complain — His peace surpasses all understanding. And remember: whoever puts their trust in Him will never be put to shame.