Paul was given a messenger of Satan to buffet him and keep him from exalting himself because of the surpassing greatness of his revelations. He sought the Lord three times asking for the messenger of Satan to be removed. But when the Lord told him that his grace was sufficient and His power was perfected in weakness, Paul immediately accepted God’s will and gave Him glory for His grace and power.
Nearing the time of His crucifixion, Jesus said, “Abba! Father! All things are possible for Thee; remove this cup from Me; yet not what I will, but what Thou wilt.”
Jesus, like Paul, was not insisting the cup be removed, for He immediately said, “yet not what I will, but what Thou wilt.” Both Jesus and Paul sought and entreated the Father to spare them from what was before them, and both deferred to His will.
Neither of them prayed believing they would receive what they were asking. They both were simply inquiring of the Father that they might be relieved of their circumstances, all the while being willing to do His will instead of their own.
This is having the substance of things hoped for, and the evidence of things unseen. This is faith, submitting to, and resting in, the integrity of God, trusting He would never lie. This is following the good Shepherd through green pastures and beside quiet waters, on a path of righteousness.
This is being aware that even death cannot hurt us, for He is with us, always comforting us. This is trusting that even in the presence of our enemies, He will anoint our head with oil, and He will make our cup overflow. This is knowing the good Shepherd leads us down the path not only for our sake, but for His sake also.
This is looking away from our self, and willingly bearing difficulties and trials, while at the same time, gratefully accepting the goodness and lovingkindness of the Lord every day of our life, so that in the end we will dwell in the house the Lord forever.
This is the walk of every Christian.
Jon David Banks, God’s most unworthy servant
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. www.lockman.org
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