"Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.” Matthew 26:41
Jesus spoke these words to his disciples as he went off to pray in the Garden of Gethsemane. These words aren’t simply an admonishment for them to stay awake and keep guard. There was something on His mind. He was sharing His own real struggle as well as giving them some advice.
Even though He was fully God, He was also fully human. At that moment Jesus understood far too well the temptations of the body – how our human emotions and physical exhaustion can interfere with our Spirit’s desire. He was about to be arrested, tried and crucified. The human in him pleaded desperately for God to take away “this cup”. He understood what it takes to overcome temptations -strengthening our Spirit by communing with God. He spent the night in prayer and the Spirit in Him prevailed. He committed His body and said: “Thy will be done.”
If Jesus understood the necessity of prayer in order to combat temptations. We should heed His advice in fighting our own battles? The more time we spend with God, the stronger we are and the easier it is to fight off temptations.
Encouragement for the week: Make a determined effort to take time to pray each day. Prayer isn’t simply a tool of communication but a tool for strengthening our souls.
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