There is no way for a human being to come to God
that does not involve surrender
Matthew 26:39
Jesus threw himself on the ground and prayed, "My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet not my will but your will be done." Matthew 26:39
Pastor’s Blog
Of all prayers in scripture or printed devotionals, of all prayers ever prayed, this prayer is the one, if meant when prayed, cannot fail to put back into the flow of God.
This is the prayer that Jesus prayed after asking God to save Him from the cross. God did not save him from the cross.
God will not promise to save us from pain and suffering either. Sometimes he expects us to suffer as Jesus did. What God does promise is resurrection for those who are willing to surrender.
Kathy and I took dance lessons. Our class jokingly asked the instructor, “who leads?”. Both the men and women cheerfully said “The man”. However it was quite a different story when the instructor would approach a specific couple and ask the same question. The man cheerfully gave the same answer. The woman not so much. Kathy choked out the words, “he does, but . . . .”
On Sunday the Lord’s Supper will be served. As you are served the bread and grape juice and Jesus asks you, “who leads?” will your answer include a “but?”
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I've prayed this prayer many times over the last 18 months. Two situations developed that had two very different outcomes: one that I desired very much and one that I dreaded and was afraid would break my heart. As I prayed earnestly for my heart's desire, I ended by saying "if this is not Your will, then above all else, I pray for your will and not mine, no matter what. As much as I fear {the other outcome}, I know Your way is always best." I repeatedly searched my heart to be sure I was telling the truth. I wasn't always sure I was. There, too, I had to trust He knew how hard I was struggling to acknowledge His control of everything I held most dear, knowing His will might not be what I wanted it to be and the outcome might tear my world apart. Man's ways are not God's ways.
ReplyDeleteSome thoughts:
ReplyDeleteA man who has been well taught in dance will lead the woman in such a way that she 'naturally' flows with him. His rythym and confidence leads her to where she is to go. Dancing with a well trained dance partner is bliss!
This is usually done with little cognizance on the woman's part, there may be a slight hiccup here or there, but definitely not a toe will be damaged!
On the other hand, a man who is just learning, who does not possess natural dance talent and is more conscious of where he is going than how he leading his dance partner, usually creates chaos with a false expectation that the woman following should do so -no matter what.
Jesus proved his love for us before expecting us to follow. While we were still sinners, he died for us.
His dance of love began a following based on self sacrifice and grace.
Jesus is an experienced dancer. His rythym carries us. Sometimes we sway, other times we twirl. But each wonderful movement of the dance is etched in a confidence that Jesus knows where we're going and he is leading us there gently and assurredly.
Thank you, Jesus.