Lent: God's Will Be Done
Bible Readings
Take a few minutes to read the Bible verses listed and ask the Holy Spirit to lead you in how this verse applies to you this week.
39 Jesus went out to the Mount of Olives, as he often did, and his disciples went with him. 40 When they got there, he told them, “Pray that you won't be tested.” 41 Jesus walked on a little way before he knelt down and prayed, 42 “Father, if you will, please don't make me suffer by drinking from this cup. But do what you want, and not what I want.” 43 Then an angel from heaven came to help him. 44 Jesus was in great pain and prayed so sincerely that his sweat fell to the ground like drops of blood. 45 Jesus got up from praying and went over to his disciples. They were asleep and worn out from being so sad. 46 He said to them, “Why are you asleep? Wake up and pray that you won't be tested.”
Luke 22:39-46
Memory Verse
Romans 8:28
28 We know that God is always at work for the good of everyone who loves him. They are the ones God has chosen for his purpose,
Is it ever hard to obey God? Maybe you know that you should forgive your siblings, but you’re still mad at them. Perhaps you know you should tell the truth but don’t want to get in trouble. Going your way instead of God’s can be tempting, but you can look to Jesus’ example for help.
Remember how Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane before he was betrayed and arrested? Can you imagine how Jesus felt then?
He was scared of the physical pain he was about to endure.
He was sad that he was going to leave his disciples.
More than anything, he was heartbroken that he would feel separation from his Father, God, when he took the punishment for the sins of the whole world on the cross.
So, he did what he often did: spend time alone with God. He prayed, “Father, if you will, don’t make me suffer… But do what you want, and not what I want.”
Did you catch that? He asked that God wouldn’t make him suffer, but his prayer didn’t end there. More than anything, Jesus wanted to obey God, even if it was the hardest thing anyone had ever done. He wanted God’s will to be done. God heard his prayer and sent an angel to strengthen him.
What should you do when it’s hard to obey God? You can look to Jesus for the answer and pray. You can tell God what you want, but you can also ask for his will to be done. After all, even if you don’t understand it right now, you can trust that his way is the best way. And like Jesus, you’re not alone. God will give you strength in your heart through the Holy Spirit!
Prayer
Dear God, thank you for the example Jesus set for me to spend time with you. Even when it is hard to obey, I know that you will give me strength. Like Jesus, help me to want what you want. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.Related Resources
Areo Keller-Donahue
As soon as Areo could pick up a popsicle stick, she was making puppets and putting on plays that shared her faith with her neighbors. Areo grew up with a strong interest in musical theatre and earned her BFA at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. Areo was led to use artistic gifts to share the gospel with young ones, and she became involved in ministry. She has worked in children's ministry at Redeemer Upper West Side and North Way Christian Community and is currently developing a musical live-action series that celebrates faith and fun. Areo and her husband live in Pittsburgh, where they enjoy spending time with their families and adorable cat, Daisy.