He was about to face the vilest, cruelest death known to man. Beatings, being nailed to a cross and ridicule awaited him. He would be betrayed by those He loved, abandoned by those He had healed, persecuted by those He came to save. He was about to carry the sins of the world and the absolute worse part of it all, His Father, for a brief moment would turn away.

Jesus knew He had been born to die. He knew this day was coming. He knew this was the will of the Father. But as His time approaches and the reality sets in, He asks the Father, “is there another way to accomplish your will?” But just as quickly as He utters those words, He submits, “Not my will Abba, but yours.”

At that moment, for Jesus, it was settled. Resting in knowing this was the Fathers will, He is given the strength to endure, the grace to walk through such unfathomable pain. Grace to endure the ridicule, the rejection, the betrayal and still love, still forgive. He did it for you. He did it for me.

Are you facing a difficult time? Are you facing betrayal, ridicule, loneliness? Are you contending for your health, your job, your marriage, your child, your life? Rest in this truth: Jesus faced betrayal, ridicule and loneliness so that you could be accepted in the Beloved. He was beaten so that you could be healed. He died and rose so that child or loved one you are contending for could be saved. His love and forgiveness can restore every broken relationships. He laid down His will that night so that we might experience the Father’s perfect will for us – life more abundantly!

Going a little farther, he fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from him. “Abba, Father,” he said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.” (‭Mark‬ ‭14‬:‭35-36‬ NIV)