Hosanna Restoration Church

I think we have all experienced times of deep distress. These are the times when we just feel like curling up in a little ball and wanting someone to hold us. At times we know what the source is, and at other times it is just a feeling that we have and we cannot pin point the cause, but it is truly a time of distress.

Well, Jesus knew the reason for His distress. He was about to go through a terrible time. I also think that He was concerned for those He was leaving behind. The main point of this is that Jesus had moments of distress just like we do. He was not immune to pain or anguish. He was a man, subject to all that all men must endure.

I know that at times people get tired of hearing others say that they will pray for them, or that prayer works and it is what we should do in every situation. Whether we get tired of hearing it or not, it is still the truth.

When Jesus was filled with horror and feeling deep distress, He found His way to a place to pray. He asked that the others watch with Him but soon discovered that they were not going to be a lot of help. It is always good to have others praying, but the best way to relief is by praying ourselves. When we seek the Lord we find Him. I must say that I find it very beneficial to pray for others, as I always feel good when I get close to God. I also know that when others pray for me it is beneficial, but there is no substitute for entering His presence for myself.

Jesus prayed the same thing three times. It is okay to pray more than once. It took Jesus three times to get relief. And who knows, maybe He would have prayed more times, but they were coming to arrest Him so Had to go. There is a good possibility that He still was feeling a bit of distress when He was done, but by faith He knew that God had heard and that things would go according to God’s plan. He knew that God always has good plans.

God knew we would have times of distress and discouragement or He would not have warned us to watch out for them. He told us about them, so that we would turn to Him in those times. If you are feeling that pressure, if you feel like gray skies are closing in on you, don’t hesitate. Make your way to a place where you can cry out to God and feel His loving arms pull you close. Get that assurance that He sees, understands, and cares, and that He has it all under control. Then walk out of that valley, lift your hands and praise the Lord. You may still feel the distress, but by faith you will know it is on the run.