Encounter # 57:

“God's Will”

Read: Mark 14:32-42

Jesus went to the Garden of Gethsemane with 11 of His Apostles. The name “Gethsemane” means “the olive, or oil press.” It was the place where olives were crushed to produce olive oil. Oil was used for lamps, anointing, healing, consecration and symbolized the Holy Spirit. Jesus was exceeding sorrowful; overwhelmed with grief and in mental distress. He knew He was going to be crucified the next day. His Apostles were sleeping while He was praying.

Jesus prayed that this hour would pass; that “this cup of suffering” would pass from Him. He asked His Father if it was possible to release Him from this cup. He prayed three times. Nevertheless, He prayed for His Father's will to be done. His Father's will was that Jesus needed to suffer and die for the sins of the world. Jesus yielded to His Father's will. Meanwhile, His Apostles were still sleeping. Jesus told them to watch and pray so that they would not fall into temptation. Because they did not pray, they yielded to temptation and did not have the strenght to stand with Jesus.

Jesus fulfilled His Father's will. We need to pray that the Father's will will be done in our lives and others. Even though humans have a free will to make their own choices, God can still arrange circumstances for them to yield to His will. Remember Jonah? He didn't do God's will at first, but later submitted, due to the big fish's involvement. He became the missionary to Ninevah. Saul, who became Paul thought he was doing God's will by killing Christians. But through a visitaion from Jesus he submitted to God's will. He became the Apostle Paul to the Gentiles. Pray for God's will to be done for the unsaved, to be saved. For the sick to be healed. For wisdom to those seeking God's direction. God's will is to save, heal and deliver.

Prayer: Father, fufill Your will in my life. I yield my life to You. Save, heal and deliver those I pray for. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Application: Read the following to learn God's will: Mt. 6:10; 18:14;       Eph. 5:17; Rom. 12:1,2; 1 Thess.4:3; 1 Thess. 5:18; John 17:24; 2 Peter 3:9 .

Encounter Jesus: Receive Jesus' strength and will for your life.