The Cup of Suffering

When in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus fell to His knees and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet not as I will, but as you will.” Jesus was asking to not have to face the cross. Moments later, though, when the soldiers came to arrest Him, Jesus did not resist. He said to Peter; “Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?” Did you get that? Jesus’ mindset was to no longer avoid the cross if possible; no, now, He was ready to unflinchingly embrace the cross. That should speak to us. If you’re facing a terrible trial, by all means pray that if it is God’s will, He’ll remove it. But once you’ve prayed, leave the trial with him and be willing to take up your cross and follow Jesus down the hard path. It’s the example our Lord Jesus gave to you and me.