Scripture reading:   Matthew 26:39..  “And he went a little farther, fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will , but as thou wilt.”

In our last devotion I spoke about the benefit and blessing of following instruction. I also mentioned my continued battle with my sciatica and what I learned about how important it is for me to follow the doctor’s orders (instructions).

Well, this past week I finally got to visit with a therapist, and they were able to put together a workout plan to help me get better. I was very excited about all of the things the therapist had to say about me getting better; so excited that I almost felt better just hearing about it! (Chuckle inside).

But, he also mentioned some things about the pain and discomfort that it would initially cause in the beginning, but I’m not sure if I really paid much attention to that part. I was just ready for the end result, minus the process.

Needless to say, I was ready to QUIT on day 2 because it hurt so bad!

But then I thought, maybe the “pain” is suppose to be part of the process??

Very few of us ever want to go through a process that requires pain. If there is ever an easier route, we would really much rather travel “that” route. But, most of the time, the easier route never gets us to where we need to be; and The end that God may have in mind for us may be laced with painful situations through and through. Ask Joseph, Job, and Jesus.

Yet, I’m confident that it will never be able to compare with the glory that awaits on the other side of the pain we endure (see Romans 8:18).

Jesus’ situation was more difficult than anything any of us have ever had to face; but when he spoke the words “nevertheless not my will, but thy will be done”, it bore witness to the fact that He had fully trusted in God’s Process: a process that had a cross Attached to it. (A very gruesome and heartrending path to take to glory.)

Closing thought: As you and I near the time in which we remember and celebrate the death, burial, and resurrection of The Lord Jesus Christ, let us also remember the pain he endured to bring us hope. His pain was an intricate part of God’s Process in bringing many sons and daughters to glory.

Jesus trusted God’s process; and my prayer is that I would daily learn to do so as well.

Blessings and Peace to All,

Pastor Lowe