Jesus, in the Garden of Gethsemane, knew that he was facing the biggest spiritual battle of a lifetime. He also knew that his disciples would be facing great spiritual battles too. He knew they would be afraid and feel alone as their leader was taken from their presence and imprisoned. He knew that even though they loved him and said they would never deny or forsake Him, that in their own strength, they would fail to carry through. He knew their weaknesses and He knew the cunning power of the enemy and that’s why he strongly encouraged them to pray.
Prayer is how we engage in spiritual warfare.Temptation is a tool of the devil used in the Garden of Eden to lure Eve and then Adam into sinful desires and disobedience to God. We all will face temptations. We may seem to have different weaknesses and pitfalls but God’s Word tells us that there’s no new temptation He hasn’t encountered and certainly no temptation He can’t help us overcome.
“No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13
All temptation comes from the devil. We all have desires of our flesh that we battle to resist daily. God doesn’t create these battles but He provides the resources we need to overcome.
“Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am being tempted by God," for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.” James 1:12-15
Knowing that we are weak in our flesh, God provided forgiveness for our failures/sins because He loved us enough to provide the sacrifice of His Son to redeem us. When we accept Jesus as our Savior, we are empowered spiritually to become Christlike and resist temptations. But we have to let Him have that power in our lives.
“But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.” Romans 13:14
In His time of deepest sorrow, Jesus had mankind on his mind. One of the most beautiful things about God taking on human flesh to dwell among man is that He can relate to all of our struggles and hardships.
“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.”Hebrews 4:15
Jesus provided reconciliation for us to God and He actively intercedes for us. What a privilege to know we have access to the throne of God for our petitions and prayers.
“Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16
Reflection:
What temptations do you struggle with? Do you try to handle the challenges of life in your own strength or do you approach the throne of God in prayer and seek His help? What priority do we give to prayer in being spiritually ready for battle?