I may not see in front of me, But I can see for miles around when I look over my shoulder, and Lord, it`s clear. You`ve brought me here, So faithful every step of the way. What can I do but follow you, For You are the Way, the Truth, the Life, And You`ve promised never to leave me, My Savior, my friend, From beginning to end.
I Am Found In You
by
Steven Curtis Chapman
When He had finished praying, Jesus left with His disciples and crossed the Kidron Valley. On the other side there was an olive grove, and He and His disciples went into it. Now Judas, who betrayed Him, knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with His disciples. So Judas came to the grove, guiding a detachment of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and Pharisees. They were carrying torches, lanterns and weapons. Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to Him, went out and asked them, "Who is it you want?" John 18:1-4 NIV
As we have looked at this wonderful passage of Jesus and the disciples during their last trip to the Garden, where they often went to pray, there are a couple of points I don’t want you to miss. First, this was a familiar place, a comfortable place for Jesus and the disciples, and yet, this is where the biggest trial of their life appears. The hardest times in our life will be those things that happen close to home.
Second, before those trials in your life arrive, you need to be prepared. This was a scary event for the disciples, and for the human side of Jesus, but they were prepared. Jesus had spent three years preparing Himself and the disciples for this day. Jesus had taught them how to pray, how to abide, and who to trust in difficult days. You and I need to be prepared BEFORE the trouble comes. If you are in a calm period of your life today, fervently call upon the Lord, before the day of trouble comes.
Third, when those difficult times come, there is a God who cares. Jesus knew the disciples would be afraid. He protected them by making clear to the arresting party that He was in control, that it was Him for whom they were looking. God will never allow a trial in your life so deep that His grace will not be sufficeint for you. If you are in that difficult day today, tell God you give up trying to do it on your own, and ask God to send His grace.
(NOTE: I didn't say God "will not put more on you than you can bear." I don't believe that statement is even true. He will. I said He will not put more on you than His grace can provide for you. There's a huge difference here. The focus of strength in your weakness is on God; not on you!)
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