Let This Cup Pass

Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane; and he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” He took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be grieved and agitated. Then he said to them, “I am deeply grieved, even to death; remain here, and stay awake with me.” And going a little farther, he threw himself on the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet not what I want but what you want.” Then he came to the disciples and found them sleeping; and he said to Peter, “So, could you not stay awake with me one hour? Stay awake and pray that you may not come into the time of trial; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Again he went away for the second time and prayed, “My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done.” Again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. So leaving them again, he went away and prayed for the third time, saying the same words. Then he came to the disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? See, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Get up, let us be going. See, my betrayer is at hand.” Matthew 26:36-46

Sometimes we feel as if we have burdens too great to bear. We are human and there are times when we are so overwhelmed that we drop from exhaustion, sleeping and yet still un-rested and feeling all the more undone. These past few weeks, after our return from Alaska,  have been a joyous time seeing family and friends. These weeks have also been hard with my mother being so critical and so needy. Sometimes we just want this cup to pass, the burden to be lifted. And if it cannot be lifted, well then maybe strength enough to see it through.

Jesus was with loved ones and family. In a few hours all hell would break loose, and everything they knew and understood would change. The greatest and most powerful drama was about to unfold. Nothing they had expected, nothing they were equipped to deal with. The only way even Jesus could steal himself was to pray. He didn't want the role he was given but would ask God to see him through.  We are invited by God today to throw ourselves into God's loving arms in the midst of our crises. God beckons us to rest and trust, that the Divine who raised Jesus will see us through our toughest struggles.

Today I ask God for the strength I need today. Empower us all to pray in these challenging times and to know God is holding us close against all that assaults us. May we not fear or run from our roles but know God is with us every moment.