“Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42).
There’s a common misconception that if you are “living right” with God life will be trouble-free. Sadly, many Christians inadvertently take God’s word out of context. They say, “If you had more faith your prayers would be answered.” Maybe you’ve agreed with that statement and falsely judged a fellow Christian who suffers perpetually despite ardent prayers. Perhaps you’ve questioned your own lack of faith as you’ve begged God, “Please take this away!” We know God “can” answer our petitions, but do we trust Him when our condition remains unaltered (or worsens)?
Walking intimately with God does not mean we’ll escape pain. Our Lord Jesus Christ and the Apostle Paul provide examples of suffering that God used for glorious purposes. In the Garden of Gethsemane Christ’s fervent request to His Father did not fall on deaf ears. How it must have grieved the Father to see His Son in anguish shortly before His arrest and crucifixion. Did God abandon Jesus because He lacked faith? No! The Father could not spare His Son; the salvation of mankind was at stake. Praise Jesus for His submission and obedience, and for unanswered prayer!
In 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 we find Paul thanking God for refusing to remove a thorn in his flesh. Although he was tormented and repeatedly pleaded with God to take it away, he was given something else instead—spiritual discernment. In his spirit Paul understands his affliction has kept him from becoming conceited. The closer Paul drew to God the more God revealed to Paul. The thorn served to keep him humble and dependent on Christ. Because he was not healed, Paul could boast of Christ’s grace and sufficiency to strengthen him in his trials.
What unanswered prayers have discouraged your faith in God’s goodness? Are you tempted to believe you can control His response if your faith is stronger? Share your fears and doubts with the Lord. He cares and longs to comfort you. Ask Him for wisdom to see the spiritual lessons He’s teaching you. Then watch Him use your trust and obedience to His will to bless others who see Christ at work in your circumstances. One day you, too, will be grateful God did not let this suffering pass you by as you witness the glory it brought to His name. “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42).
Your fellow sojourner and herald for Christ,
Mary
