Embracing God's Will in Terrifying Trials: Finding Strength in Surrender

The Hour Has Come: Embracing God's Will in the Face of Terrifying Trials

In the year 2023 and beyond, as we face the trials and challenges of our time, we can find great comfort and encouragement in the story of Jesus's Gethsemane experience. In Mark 14:41, Jesus declares, "The hour has come. The Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners." These words mark a pivotal moment in human history, a moment when Jesus must decide whether to protect himself or embrace his Father's perfect and painful will.

Throughout Jesus's earthly ministry, he had been preparing for this hour. From the very beginning, he knew his purpose, but he carefully guarded the messianic secret until the appointed time. He invested his emotions and energy into his disciples, teaching and guiding them with great love and patience. He displayed his power and compassion through miraculous healings and acts of kindness. And now, the hour has come.

Imagine the weight of this moment. Jesus, fully man and fully God, is about to face the most terrifying trial anyone has ever faced. He is about to bear the weight of the sins of the world, to be made sin on behalf of others. The enormity of this task is overwhelming, and Jesus's soul is in anguish.

The Agony of Gethsemane

In Gethsemane, Jesus wrestles with his own human desires and fears. The thought of the impending pain and suffering is unbearable. Yet, in the midst of his agony, Jesus makes a profound choice. He surrenders his will to the will of his Father. He prays, "Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Remove this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will" (Mark 14:36).

This moment of surrender is a powerful example for us in the year 2023 and beyond. As we face our own trials and uncertainties, we can look to Jesus and learn from his response. We can choose to trust in God's perfect will, even when it seems terrifying and painful. We can pray, "Not my will, but yours be done."

Biblical References to Embracing God's Will

The theme of embracing God's will in the face of trials and tribulations is not limited to Jesus's experience in Gethsemane. Throughout the Bible, we see examples of men and women who faced daunting circumstances and chose to trust in God's plan.

1. Joseph

In the book of Genesis, we read the story of Joseph, who was sold into slavery by his brothers and faced numerous trials and hardships. Yet, through it all, Joseph remained faithful to God and embraced His plan. In Genesis 50:20, Joseph says to his brothers, "You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good." Joseph recognized that God's will was at work even in the midst of his suffering.

2. Job

The story of Job is another powerful example of embracing God's will in the face of unimaginable suffering. Job endured the loss of his wealth, family, and health, yet he remained steadfast in his faith. In Job 1:21, he declares, "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked shall I return. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord." Job acknowledged that everything he had was a gift from God, and he trusted in God's sovereign plan.

3. Paul

The apostle Paul faced countless trials and persecutions for his faith. In 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, he writes, "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong." Paul understood that embracing God's will meant finding strength in weakness and relying on God's grace.

Embracing God's Will in 2023 and Beyond

As we navigate the trials and challenges of our time, we can draw strength and inspiration from these biblical examples. We can choose to embrace God's will, even when it seems terrifying and painful. Here are some practical steps we can take:

1. Seek God's Guidance

Just as Jesus sought his Father's will in Gethsemane, we too should seek God's guidance in our lives. Through prayer, reading the Bible, and seeking wise counsel, we can discern God's will for our individual circumstances.

2. Trust in God's Sovereignty

Remember that God is in control, even when our circumstances seem overwhelming. Trust that He has a plan and purpose for our lives, even in the midst of trials. As we read in Romans 8:28, "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose."

3. Surrender Your Will to God

Just as Jesus surrendered his will to the Father, we too must surrender our own desires and plans. This requires humility and a willingness to trust that God's ways are higher than our ways. As Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."

4. Find Strength in Community

During times of trial, it is important to lean on the support and encouragement of fellow believers. Surround yourself with a community of faith who can pray for you, offer guidance, and remind you of God's faithfulness.

As we embrace God's will in 2023 and beyond, let us remember that we are not alone in our trials. Jesus has gone before us, facing the ultimate trial and demonstrating perfect obedience. Through his sacrifice, we have been given the hope and assurance that God's will, though sometimes terrifying, is ultimately for our good and His glory.

So, as we face the challenges of this year and the future, let us choose to embrace God's will, just as Jesus did. Let us surrender our own desires and fears, and trust that God is working all things together for our good. And may we find strength and encouragement in the examples of those who have gone before us, knowing that we are not alone in our journey of faith.