The Storm
Day 73 - Mark 14:36
Scripture
Mark 14:36 NIV
“Abba, Father,” he said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.”
Reflection
Jesus was about to face betrayal, torture, and death as He cried out to His Father. He asked God to take this burden from Him. But in the same breath, He submitted to the will of the Lord.
This reminds me of Abraham and His son Isaac. Abraham received a message from God to sacrifice his only son. Isaac carried the wood for the burnt sacrifice up the mountain with His father. Usually, they had a lamb to sacrifice, but this time was different. When it was time, Isaac willingly allowed his father to bind his hands and feet and lay him on the altar. He didn’t fight or run away, although he could’ve. Instead, he submitted to the will of his Father.
I can’t imagine the sorrow Abraham felt as he bound his only son. Or the fear that was going through Isaac’s mind as he wondered why his father was using him as a sacrifice. I can’t imagine the relief they must have felt when the angel of the Lord appeared, and they got to walk back down that mountain together. I imagine the walk was filled with awkward silence, but maybe it was filled with joy. Maybe it was full of praise and worship when the Lord declared a blessing upon their family because Abraham was obedient.
This story echoes the sacrifice God made when He gave His only son to save us.
Trusting God is not easy. You may be facing your biggest fears or sacrificing what you love the most. It’s hard to let go of the plans you have for your life and believe His way is better. He knows the weight of your sacrifice and has plans for you to prosper. Trust your Father and submit to Him. The sacrifices you make will not be in vain.
I hope you trust your heavenly Father as much as Jesus, Abraham, and Isaac did.
Prayer
Father, thank You for sending Your only Son to die on the cross for my sins. Thank You for giving us this timeless example of Abraham and Isaac’s unwavering submission and trust. You are a wonderful God, and You have blessed Your people with wisdom and favor through obedience. Forgive me when I struggle to let go of my own plans, and give me peace in moments of surrender and sacrifice. I trust You with every aspect of my life. I decree and declare in the name of Jesus that I will step into obedience and come into full alignment with Your plan and purpose for my life. I cast out any spirit of control, doubt, worry, or anxiety that prevents me from trusting and fully submitting my life to You, Lord. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Reflection Questions
Is there something God has been asking you to surrender that you've been holding onto?
What would it feel like to release control, doubt, and worry and let God carry it instead?
What would radical obedience look like in your life?
Thank you!
Every like, share, and subscription brings me one step closer to publishing my devotional, so thank you for being part of this journey with me!
New International Version (NIV)
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.