Sharing The Burden Of Another’s Soul

My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.
Matthew 26:39

Never be afraid to do what God tells you to do; it’s always good.

But first be certain your will is in neutral so that God can shift it.

After enjoying a last meal with his disciples, Jesus made his way to the Garden of Gethsemane. He went, not to relax, but to wrestle in prayer. Not to while away the moments, but to urge his disciples to watch with him in prayer.

Alfred Edersheim provides insight into the struggles of the Savior just before his death.

WALK WITH ALFRED EDERSHEIM
“Alone, as in his first conflict with the evil one in the wilderness, the Savior entered into the last contest.

“On his knees, prostrate on the ground, his agony began. His prayer was that—if it were possible—the hour might pass away from him.

“Fallen man is born with the taste of death in his soul. Not so Christ. It was he who had no experience of it. His going into death was his final conflict with Satan for man, and on man’s behalf.

“At the close of that hour his sweat—mingled with blood—fell in great drops on the ground. And while he lay in prayer, the disciples lay in sleep.”

WALK CLOSER TO GOD
Christ yearned for support in prayer during his darkest hour.

It’s possible—even probable—that someone near you is wrestling in prayer to discover God’s will or overcome the enemy. That person knows the way ahead may be painful, yet he yearns to do God’s will. But the battle for his will is raging and the issue is undecided.

You can slumber indifferently, like the disciples. Or you can kneel at that person’s side and share their burden. That’s one of the privileges—and responsibilities—of being a brother or a sister in Christ.