Difficult Choices?

He came out, and went, as his custom was, to the Mount of Olives. His disciples also followed him. When he was at the place, he said to them, “Pray that you don’t enter into temptation.”

He was withdrawn from them about a stone’s throw, and he knelt down and prayed, saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.”

An angel from heaven appeared to him, strengthening him. Being in agony he prayed more earnestly. His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down on the ground.

Luke 22:39-44 (WEB)

Sometimes there are no good choices.

“I guess that is why they call this earth – and not heaven.” – a Jody-ism

This Scripture, these five verses, have spoke to me many times in my life for different reasons. Last night I had the opportunity to be part of a healing service. A group of people came together to pray for others and ourselves. This is the third time this group has come together. There was a person missing from our group last night. He is in the hospital…it appears he is dying from cancer. We prayed for him last night as we have prayed for him when he has been with us. It is hard in this situation because it seems like there are no good choices.

Jesus knows about those times. Jesus is asking the Father to give Him an ‘out’. He does not want to go through what He knows He is being asked to do. “Give me another choice, Father!” The Father points to the cross. Jesus bows His head and says, “Not what I want, Father, but what you want.” And He sweats… blood!

God does not leave His Son alone to sweat. He sends an angel to minister; to strength Him. Jesus shows us in this Scripture that He was fully human. He needed the Father and His Spirit to get through this fear; this weakness. He shows me how to question and not to be afraid or reluctant to ask the Father for a different option. Jesus also shows me how to bow my head and be obedient – knowing that the Father will give me whatever I need to run the race He has given me and finish the race.

Before I come to my next Gethsemane, I am going to listen to Jesus and “Pray that you don’t enter into temptation.” Pray! Every day I spend time talking to God. Every day I spend more time listening to God. I want to be in Gethsemane with the One I know really well and who really knows me!

My choices may be difficult sometimes but I have a Savior and a Friend, Jesus Christ.