Even Jesus Struggled With The Life
Do you ever feel like giving up? Taking the easy road? Putting yourself first for a while? Jesus did too. That night so many years ago in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus pleaded with His Father. “Abba, Father, everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me.” You’re in charge of the universe, Father. Isn’t there some other way? Don’t make me do this.
When we think of that scene in the Garden, we tend to focus on Jesus’ final decision, the one that led him to the cross: “Yet not what I will, but what you will.” Sometimes we forget that Jesus didn’t arrive at that decision easily. “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death,” Jesus said (Mark 14:34). He struggled with the sacrifice he was being asked to make. The same way we all struggle.
You’ve made The Life commitment. That doesn’t mean you’re always going to feel great about cooperating with what God is asking you to do. Don’t be discouraged if some days are harder than others. Be like Jesus, and take your frustrations and struggles to God. He’ll give you the strength you need to stay on the right road.
Action Steps:
- Need a little encouragement? Read this article by Sean McDowell about how hard – and how rewarding – it can feel to follow Jesus. Then share it with a friend.
- Remember that you shouldn’t try to do this alone. Have you asked anyone to be your accountability partner for The Life? An accountability partner is someone who prays for you, encourages you, and gives you a gentle nudge now and then. A partner can help you keep going when you feel like giving in or giving up.
Serving together,
Leonard Buhler
