“Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, ‘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
If a chainsaw sounds like it’s groaning and struggling to cut through a tree trunk or limb, then we know it’s time to sharpen the chain. According to recommendations, a chainsaw needs sharpening after about 10 uses. The same thing applies to lawnmower and hedge trimmer blades. Dull blades make jobs and chores last longer and also make engines work harder and overheat.
If we wonder why Jesus was always fully prepared for every situation, it is because He sharpened His mind and emotions during prayer. Therefore, Jesus never panicked because prayer remained a priority throughout His earthly life. Before Jesus chose the 12 disciples, He prayed all night. “One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God. When morning came, he called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them, whom he also designated apostles” (Luke 6:12-13).
Even though we know we should not lose our temper and we should not speak without thinking, we sometimes let our emotions run wild and make poor decisions. If we pause and pray, then we have more peace of mind and more peace with others. Praying regularly is important. “Evening, morning and noon I cry out in distress, and he hears my voice” (Psalm 55:17).
When Jesus faced the most difficult time of His life, He was not pacing the floors or in panic mode. Jesus was praying and was prepared for everything. “Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, ‘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).
When Jesus faced unfairness and torture, He did not melt under pressure because He prayed. What about you? Have you prayed today?
— Bill Kent, Pastor of Memorial Baptist Church, Sylvania, Georgia
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