Matthew 26:39-40a

Matthew 26:39-40a (ESV): “39 And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.” 40 And he came to the disciples and found them sleeping.”

Doing the will of God is the single most important thing a Christian can do. You will never become all that God intends for you to be until you fully surrender to His will.

Jesus now enters the darkest moments of His earthly life. And what does He do to prepare for them? He prays and urges His disciples to watch and pray as well. Knowing that the cross was imminent, He became deeply sorrowful. In His anguish, He asked the Father if the cup could pass from Him, yet He immediately submitted Himself to the Father’s will. The answer was clear—the cross was necessary—so Jesus willingly embraced the path set before Him. When He returned to His disciples, however, He found them sleeping.

What posture do you take when you are facing a God-ordained situation in your life? Do you say, “Not my will, but Yours be done”? If we are following in the footsteps of Jesus, we will submit ourselves to whatever God wills. He knows what is best, and He is working through every circumstance of our lives for His glory and our good. Submit to the Father, and you will never regret it. He may lead you through difficult trials, but He will also give you the strength to endure them. His ways are better!

Father, I submit to Your will. Strengthen me to accomplish Your purposes in my life. I pray in Jesus’ name, amen.