When Jesus Asks a Question

Warriors Arise: April 12, 2022

Mark 14:32-38 (NKJV) Then they came to a place which was named Gethsemane; and He said to His disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” 33 And He took Peter, James, and John with Him, and He began to be troubled and deeply distressed. 34 Then He said to them, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch.” 35 He went a little farther, and fell on the ground, and prayed that if it were possible, the hour might pass from Him. 36 And He said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for You. Take this cup away from Me; nevertheless, not what I will, but what You will.” 37 Then He came and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, “Simon, are you sleeping? Could you not watch one hour? 38 Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

This reminds me of a statement Patsy Clarmont says, "There is nothing worse than a whooping from the Lord." Jesus instructed his three closest disciples, Peter, James and John to stay here and watch. He had left the others and walked with these three a little further into the Gethsemane. He confided in them that His soul was exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. He walks on and is troubled as he falls to the ground and prays.

He told them to watch. Did they see Him fall to the ground? Were they already asleep before He was fell. He instructed them to watch, hoping they would pray for Him. But they did not watch, they did not cover Him with prayer. They slept. How could they fall asleep when He needed them?

Just hour before Peter had said he would die for Jesus, but he couldn't stay awake and pray for Him. He specifically calls to Peter. There are a lot of things at stake here. Peter not only is asked to pray for Jesus but Jesus had told him earlier that satan had asked to sift him. Jesus told Peter that He had prayed for him. But that doesn't mean we don't need to be watchful in prayer. Jesus never said the attack wouldn't happen because He prayed. He said He prayed for him. Peter would have to learn to battle in the strength Jesus operated with. But Peter is asleep. He isn't praying for Jesus and he isn't praying for himself.

I don't even want to know how many times Jesus has asked me to pray and I fell asleep or my mind got distracted by other things. Jesus is trying to encourage Peter to do what he needs to do to win in the upcoming battle over satan. There are times God is telling us so we are prepared. God doesn't get us out of every battle the enemy plans against us. We are to show the world how we can defeat the enemy because of Christ in us. We bring glory to the Father and hope to the world. If there is never a battle then there is never a victor. If there is never a victor then God is not glorified. We glorify God when we defeat the enemy, win the battle and rise victorious, because we have fought the battle with the power of Christ in us.

I do not want Jesus to give me an assignment and then find me sleeping literally or figuratively. I do not want to be a Christian caught in a life of slumber, running on a wheel like hamster, going nowhere and accomplishing nothing for the advancement of God's kingdom. I want to be a valiant warrior who pulls down stronghold and releases people to fulfill their God-given purposes and lives out their destiny. I want to live my life connected to Christ in me and bring hope to the world and glory to God for all He has done, is doing and will do.

Father, You are my God and I will worship You. I am thankful You have let me know when I need to watch for Your move and pray for the battle to come. I am thankful Your mercies are new every morning. I know when I have gotten caught up in the cycle of all the goings on in life You made me aware of bondage of the system. Thank you for Your grace and forgiveness. I know when I have fallen asleep at my post, indulging in a lifestyle of slumber You woke me up and called me to my place in the advancement of Your kingdom. Thank You for getting through to me. Thank You for waking me up. Thank You for reminding me of my purpose and calling. Thank You for Your amazing love that never gives up on me. I will worship You, watch, pray and walk in my God-given purpose to fulfill my destiny in Jesus' name amen.

A Warrior in the Lord’s Army,

Veridee Joy Hand

Join together as Believers in Jesus Christ to pray and to push back the enemy as we release God’s power here on earth. If you have any questions please feel free to make a comment or private message me. If you would like this to come to your email directly please go to verideehand.com and subscribe.