Trials #5—Praying Perseverance

Stay awake and pray, so that you will not engage in testing God. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. Mark 14:38

When God brought the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt, he did not do it quietly. He executed judgment on the Egyptians in a way that left no doubt in anyone’s mind how they were able to escape their predicament. On the way to the promised land, he led them with a pillar of fire. However, when they experienced difficulties along the way, they tested him by declaring that they knew better how to shape the future for their good. Ten times they did this. So God refused to let that generation into the land. When Satan suggested that Jesus force God’s hand regarding his own future, Jesus did not take his spiritual strength for granted. He succeeded in not testing God because he spent his time in the wilderness remembering what God had done and praying about the ministry God had for him to accomplish. Then the night he was betrayed, Jesus invited his disciples to help him remain confident in God’s plan by praying. He could have tested God at this point. The trial of his faith was whether or not he would put the trustworthiness of the Father on trial. Like the original disciples, Jesus admonishes us not to test God. They were not called to the cross, but they were called, as we are called, to stick with Jesus while he carries out the Father’s plan. The disciples slept and failed. We will succeed in stressful situations if we pay attention and pray.

Good and wise God, keep my spirit willing enough to seek your aid so I overcome my hesitancy to follow your plan to completion.