When the Going gets Tough

39 Once more he went away and prayed the same thing. 40 When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. They did not know what to say to him. 41 Returning the third time, he said to them, "Are you still sleeping and resting? Enough! The hour has come. Look, the Son of Man is delivered into the hands of sinners. 42 Rise! Let us go! Here comes my betrayer!"
Mark 14:39-42


Well I can certainly relate to what the disciples were feeling this morning with heavy eyes as my day in the office has begun at a very early hour after watching my favorite football team get yet another victory on Monday night football last evening! I am encouraged and challenged this morning as I read again how Jesus spent all of the final hours of His ministry here on this earth in prayer. The times did not get any worse for Him as He knew what was about to happen and He went through something that you and I could only hope that we will never have to face here on this earth. He spent his final hours in prayer, communicating with the Father, asking for strength and power to face the horrible crucifixion and death that He was about to face, all because of our sin. What do you do when the going gets tough? Do you have a few more glasses of wine than you would normally have? Do you let your emotions get the best of you and lash out at your family or colleagues or friends? Do you go on a shopping binge or maybe an eating binge or maybe you spend all of your free time asleep as we find the disciples doing here? Do you go to the Father when the going gets tough – God is waiting for you this morning to hear your cry; He is waiting to listen to you as admit that this life is much more than you can handle on your own and He is waiting for you to ask for His help. God wants more than ever today for you to rest in His arms of love as He fills your life with His strength and power to overcome and be victorious in this life. He loves you more than you could ever imagine – spend some time with Him today before you do anything else and you will see what a difference His love can make!