This is part 2 of the sermon series, "Strength of a conqueror". In part 1, we discussed the first element of a conqueror - Firm commitment to prayer. Drawing from the same verses in Luke 22:39-46, we can see that Jesus prayed according to His "Father's will" (Luke 22:42).
During His earthly ministry, Jesus had the same human body and emotions just like us. Do you know that it is impossible for Him to endure this cup of suffering with mere human strength? He would not have been able to endure the pain of being flogged and nailed onto the cross. Neither would He have been able to tolerate the nasty remarks, malice, spitting and false accusation of his sinful detractors. It would have been tough for Him to accept the betrayal and the denial of His disciples whom He loved so much, or the fact that He was forsaken by His beloved disciples and Heavenly Father when He needed them most. He was left to carry the sins of the whole world all by Himself and die a slow, lonely, and excruciating death on the cross.
No person in his sound mind would want to go through such sufferings. Which is why Jesus pleaded with God to remove this cup of suffering, if possible. However, even though Jesus prayed so, He chose to submit to His Father's sovereign will. Why? Because He was committed to fulfilling His purpose in this world, and His purpose was to do His Father's will, not His own. He knew that only His death on the cross would complete the plan of the salvation for the whole world. He knew that He was the only answer to this lost and dying world, and that His submission to His Father's will would not be in vain. And because of His submission to God's will, Jesus was resurrected from the dead and exalted by His Father to the highest place, and given a name that is above every name, a name at which every knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.
Doing the will of God may be difficult and trying, but we can take heart knowing that glory and honor await those who stay true to God's will.
Are you struggling with the will of God in your life? Know that your struggle is nowhere near that of Jesus. And because Jesus, as a human could overcome every hardship to do God's will, rest assured that we can do the same. Just surrender your will to God. Ask Him for His grace, strength and wisdom to carry out His will. You will be amazed of His surpassing grace, strength and unfathomable wisdom pouring richly upon your life till it overflows, as you surrender your will to Him. You will receive the necessary power to complete His will for your life. And when God's will has taken hold of your life and run its course, you will receive His honor and praise, even as God is glorified.
To be continued ...
Pastor Sarah
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