STRENGTENED THROUGH PRAYER
39 Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him. 40 On reaching the place, he said to them, “Pray that you will not fall into temptation.” 41 He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, 42 “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” 43 An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. 44 And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground. 45 When he rose from prayer and went back to the disciples, he found them asleep, exhausted from sorrow. 46 “Why are you sleeping?” he asked them. “Get up and pray so that you will not fall into temptation” (Luke 22:39-46 NIV).
Jesus knew very well the power he would obtain and release each time he prayed. He knew that coming before the Heavenly Father and having a communion with Him was the key to manifest His power.
The Lord was about to go through the hardest and most painful moment of his life. He knew that it was necessary to seek His Father’s strength in prayer and in return he was strengthened by an angel.
If you are living a difficult or painful situation, do not fight in your own strength; do not stray from God nor go to the wrong people. Instead, run to God and He will send His angels to strengthen you; and whatever was intended for death, will actually result in life and blessing.
When we pray we cause the heavens to open and then God is able to send the blessing or answer we have needed. Also, the Holy Spirit comes over us to comfort us.
Jesus knew that after a heavy day the key to recover strength was to seek His Father in prayer. When you no longer have strength, when you go through tough days, when you feel discouraged or depressed, pray and seek God’s help; then you will be recharged.
During prayer, Jesus fought against temptation and knew Satan would tempt him; but he was prepared through prayer and in that way he defeated him.
The Lord wants to help Anchorus; and the way to do it is by going to Him every day, asking Him for His help so we do not fall, sin or displease Him. We can be assured that He will strengthen us and make a way so we do not stumble.
Think about it:
Have you ever imitated Jesus when he prayed in a crucial moment of his life? What were the results of your prayer? How did you feel after seeking God during a difficult time?
As human beings, why is it difficult to first turn to God when we have problems? What can we do to develop the habit of daily seeking God in prayer?
