The Test of Surrender

" 'Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.' An angel from heaven appeard to him and strengthened him. And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground." (Luke22:42-44)

The night Jesus was arrested. The night before the cross of Calvary. Jesus was under enormous stress. Jesus didn't like the idea of the cross. In fact, the book of Luke records for us that he was so stressed about it that he literally sweated blood. Scientists have proven that when a person is under enourmous stress, it is possible for him to drip blood. Hear this friends, Jesus was under tremendous stress. He didn't want to take the cross. Not that he didn't want to be Savior of the world, he just wanted another way. Hear his heart cry out for an easier way. Hear his heart cry out for God to save him,"Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me!"

But Jesus didn't run away. No, he didn't take the shortcut of backing out, instead he surrendered. He knew he couldn't fight God. He shouldn't. So he surrendered. "Yet not my will, but yours be done." That was his heart. He knew it'd be difficult, but he submitted anyway. He knew there was no turning back, but he followed anyway. He knew what was going to happen soon, but he was looking further than that. Jesus submitted his whole life unto God. He saw the life after death. He saw that the promise of God was bigger than all his problems.

Friends how many of us are under trials now. You're crying out,"Lord take it away!" Let the cry of your heart be that of Jesus' today. "Lord, it hurts, if it is not of your will then please take it away. But if it is of your will then Lord let your will be done." Friends this day let your heart put God first. Not what you want, but what God wants for you. Don't fit God into your schedule, you fit your schedule into God's. In the midst of your trials, look up into the face of God and see the rainbow He's prepared for you after the storm. Because He loves you more than to see you perish in your trials. Because He rather died than let you go. So friends, in spite of all your trials, submit to God, because He has your end in mind, and He promised that your latter will be greater than your former. Allow God to speak to you on this today.


This is my prayer in the desert
When all that’s within me feels dry
This is my prayer in my hunger and need
My God is the God who provides

This is my prayer in the fire
In weakness or trial or pain
There is a faith proved of more worth than gold
So refine me Lord through the flame

I will bring praise, I will bring praise
No weapon formed against me shall remain
I will rejoice, I will declare
God is my victory and He is here

This is my prayer in the battle
When triumph is still on its way
I am a conqueror and co-heir with Christ
So firm on His promise I’ll stand

All of my life, in every season
You are still God
I have a reason to sing
I have a reason to worship

This is my prayer in the harvest
When favour and providence flow
I know I’m filled to be emptied again
The seed I’ve received I will sow