“Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
Matthew 26:41 (NIV)
Did you know through prayer God makes you stronger? When Jesus is facing his darkest hour (Matthew 26) and is seeking strength to overcome, he prays. With firm conviction, his companions resolve to support him to the end. Yet Jesus tells them while their spirit may be willing, their own strength is not enough. They will fall into temptation without God’s help. How can they access this help? By praying.
We pray because we know the “flesh is weak” and need God’s strength. When we pray, God will answer. Jesus believes this for himself and his disciples. In prayer and with God they could face any challenge. Jesus was given strength to face through the cross, the assault of evil and the weight of the world’s sin. The disciples could have received the strength to stand faithfully with Jesus despite physical threats. Instead, they failed to pray, falling asleep “because their eyes were heavy”. Instead, they were scattered because of fear and denied their Lord. The flesh is weak indeed.
Our church needs God’s strength. Family and friends need God’s strength. You need God’s strength. How can we find the help we need? Prayer. Persistent watchful prayer. Here is the challenge Jesus put to his disciples and today, you: “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation”. The Disciples heard this invitation, fell asleep and were weakened because of it. What will you do?
In Him,
Jason