Muscle Power

And He came and found them sleeping, and said to Peter; “Simon, are you asleep? Could you not keep watch for one hour? (Mark 14)

It’s been more than 35 years since I watched the Academy award winning movie. Yet, scenes from the R-rated movie began fill my mind as I read this chapter in Mark. I’ve heard of other people having trouble with temptations to think wrong even as they were trying to pray. Why does God allow these temptations at such a time? Could it be that that time is the time when we’re most likely to respond to the temptation in the right way?

I remembered the idea someone suggested of super-imposing the image of Jesus dying on the cross over the immoral images. He died to redeem us from these sins and then He overcame death itself. He has given me beauty in place of ashes. Lord, you have redeemed my life from the trash heap. I once more offer it to you. Give me your Spirit for this day’s challenges and temptations.

Whether we see it or not, we are in the middle of a war. Prayerlessness is a recipe for weakness in the face of temptation. It doesn’t matter what I think is a good idea. What matters is what Jesus said. “Keep watching and praying, that you may not come into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” If Peter had obeyed Jesus’ exhortation, he might have avoided denying being Jesus’ follower and the resulting pain, sorrow and regret.

Temptations are inevitable. But, giving in to temptation always costs us more than we expect and always leads to sorrow and regret. Most of us already have more regrets than we want. Why get in line for more? Daily watching and praying with Jesus is absolutely vital to avoiding terrible regrets. Religious activity and motion do not give strength to your spirit. Spiritual muscle power comes from spending time with Jesus.

A prudent man sees danger and takes refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it. (Proverbs 22:3)

Project:
Let’s commit before God to daily spending time alone with Jesus.