John Chapter 18 verses 4-6 (NIV)
Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, “Who is it you want?” “Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied.“I am he,” Jesus said. (And Judas the traitor was standing there with them.) When Jesus said, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground.
Jesus had been broken in prayer before His Father shortly before this. We read that an angel came and strengthened Him. Now He knows the time has arrived, He knew what lay ahead. Things were going to play out just as the Father had planned. Jesus had prayed, “not My will but Yours be done.” Yet when He speaks, He is completely calm and has such power and authority that the mob that came to arrest Him fell at His feet. Surely with obedient submission there comes strength as well as peace.
What spoke to me today was that this was a reminder that even if God doesn’t take us out of a difficult situation, He will give us the strength and courage to go through it. We have the Holy Spirit in our heart to strengthen us. That’s even better than an angel! If we lean in to God in such situations, our witness through it will be noticed by people and we will have the opportunity to point people to the One who gave up everything for us. Then hopefully we, and they will fall at Jesus’ feet in worship.
Dear Lord,
Thank You for reminding me that sometimes prayer changes our circumstances, but at other times prayer brings us strength and courage to walk in the way that You have ordained for us. But because Jesus walked that way before us, I am grateful that we need never walk it alone. Thank You. Amen.