Matthew 26: 39, 42 "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from Me. Yet not as I will, but as You will. ...My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may Your will be done."

Many of us are acquainted with Heinrich Hofmann's inspiring painting entitled "Christ in Gethsemane." In this painting Christ is shown kneeling on the ground, with His forearms resting on a large stone, His hands folded, and His eyes directed toward heaven. As we look at the scene, we can almost hear Jesus pleading: "My Father...not as I will, but as You will. ...Your will be done."

At that moment, of course, Christ was more than an example for us to follow. He was our Savior, suffering for the sins of all people. But in a secondary sense, He was on that sorrowful night also an example for us to follow.

How many of us have had to live through our own "Gethsemanes" -- a painful illness, a broken marriage, a friend lost, a wayward child, days of doubt and dark despair? Whatever the tragedy, it was our own "Gethsemane."

In moments like that, may we be given the childlike faith to say: "My Father, You have redeemed me through Your Son. You are my anchor and my stay. Into Your fatherly hands I place my life. Not my will, but Yours be done."

PRAYER: Lord, I place my life -- with every burden -- into Your hands. I trust Your good and gracious will. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

(Taken from "Words of Promise," copyright 1996, Concordia Publishing House (out of print). For information on other devotional materials, call 1-800-325-3040.)

Today's Bible Readings: Psalms 39-41    John 12:27-50

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