How did Jesus endure the terror of the crucifixion? He went first to the Father with His fears. He modeled the words of Psalm 56:3: “When I am afraid, I put my trust in You.”
Do the same with yours. Don’t avoid life’s Gardens of Gethsemane. Enter them. Just don’t enter them alone. And while there, be honest. Pounding the ground is permitted. Tears are allowed. And if you sweat blood, you won’t be the first. Do what Jesus did; open your heart.
And be specific. Jesus was. “Take this cup,” He prayed. Give God the number of the flight. Tell Him the length of the speech. Share the details of the job transfer. He has plenty of time. He also has plenty of compassion.
He doesn’t think your fears are foolish or silly. He won’t tell you to “buck up” or “get tough.” Jesus has been where you are. He knows how you feel.
And God knows what you need. That’s why we punctuate our prayers as Jesus did. “If you are willing…”
Was God willing? Yes and no. He didn’t take away the cross, but He took the fear. God didn’t still the storm, but He calmed the sailor.
Who’s to say He won’t do the same for you?
-- Max Lucado in “Traveling Light: Releasing the Burdens You Were Never Intended to Bear”
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