December 5, 2022 – Luke 22 – Prayer and Conflicting Wills

Exodus 16, Luke 22, 2 Corinthians 6

Many times people end up in difficult situations and they resign themselves to it. “Everything happens for a reason.” Therefore, this must be what God wants for my life.

Jesus knew what God’s plan for him was. Throughout the Gospels he was telling the disciples what was going to happen. He was going to Jerusalem to be abused by the elders and then be handed over to the Romans to be crucified. This was God’s plan for him.

Yet in Luke 22, in the Garden of Gethsemane, we hear Jesus asking God to not make him go through it. I believe it is a genuine request to not go through with the suffering and death on the cross and not merely there to make Jesus look good by being submissive to the Father. Jesus says, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” Luke22:42NIV

This example of asking for the opposite of what Jesus knew was the Father’s will for him is important for us to see. God does have a plan for our lives and he does have a plan for the universe and eternity. God sometimes adjusts his plans in response to the requests of his children, especially when we humble ourselves before him.

Look back in Isaiah 38. Hezekiah was told he was going to die. The prophet Isaiah came and told him that was what the Lord said. It was God’s will… but Hezekiah prayed. Then the word of the Lord came to Isaiah: “Go and tell Hezekiah, ‘This is what the Lord, the God of your father David, says: I have heard your prayer and seen your tears; I will add fifteen years to your life.’” Isaiah38:4–5NIV

If you are going through difficult circumstances, don’t resign yourself to accept it as God’s will for your life. Commit yourself to pray like Jesus did and like Hezekiah did. God may not change his mind. Perhaps what you are going through is too important for you or for God’s overarching plan and your circumstances won’t change. However, you may just be like Hezekiah. God may hear your prayer and change your circumstances.

Prayer:

Lord, thank you for the gift of prayer. Thank you for being active and involved in my life. I am grateful that you have a plan for me and I am grateful that you hear me and are willing to adjust that plan in response to my humble prayers. Help me to always pray. In Jesus’ name. Amen.