Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the burden of your circumstance or challenge of your weaknesses? Maybe you have been deeply sorrowful or grieved about a problem or a person. No matter what it is, God cares about what you are going through. According to Hebrews 4:15, “we have not a high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin”. I love this scripture passage because it shows us that Jesus can relate to you and me.
In fact, Jesus showed us ways of how to triumph over our inner struggles. The first step in victory is to yield your heart, decisions, and life to the perfect will of God – even when it is difficult. Jesus could have decided that the price for our salvation was too much. He knew exactly what he had to endure, yet he chose to obediently surrender. Even before his death on the cross, he died to any emotions, thoughts, or desires that didn’t align to the Father’s will. In the Garden of Gethsemane, he declared, “Not my will, but yours be done.” (See Luke 22:42).
In addition, Jesus prayed fervently and several times. He showed us how to press in with prayer. Many like to pray for a few minutes, but there are seasons when we need to linger in God’s presence, persevere in prayer, and receive from God’s presence. During prayer Jesus received supernatural strength. Luke 22:43 states, “And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.”
Furthermore, Jesus had an eternal outlook and goal. Having a laser beam focus kept him moving forward despite the extreme hardships he faced. Jesus doesn’t want us to get weary, give up, and throw in the towel when we are in a personal battle. We should always be fixing our eyes on Jesus. In Hebrews 12:2-3, Apostle Paul states, “looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.”
PRAY THIS PRAYER:
“Father God, I magnify your holy name. You know all about me Lord – including my weaknesses and inner struggles. Yet, you love me and have given me a purpose. Help me to follow your example of complete surrender to the Father’s will. Teach me to pray earnestly. Remind me to be eternity minded. Lord, I ask you to immerse me in your Holy Spirit so I am empowered to live for you. In Jesus’ name I pray – Amen.”
