Hard Questions

Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him. On reaching the place, he said to them, “Pray that you will not fall into temptation.” He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.

Luke 22:39-44 (NIV)

Have you ever prayed “hard”? Have you had a question for God that was really important to you? Or maybe someone you loved was seriously sick or making bad choices & you prayed for them night after night? “God! Where are you? Why don’t I hear you? Why don’t You answer?”

Luke was a physician. His gospel shows that. He records are more physically descriptive. Here he shares that Jesus was so physically stressed, so human that His sweat was tinged with blood. Hematohidrosis is the multi-syllable word for that. As an RN, I actually saw that happen to a patient in the ER one night. She had multiple injuries. I was starting an IV & I noticed these drops of sweat running down by her hairline. She had no head cuts etc. I got the IV started & wiped the area with a dry cloth. Within a few minutes, the beads of sweat came again…with blood? I pointed it out to the doctor standing next to me & he said, “Hematohidrosis. I’ve only seen it a few times in my 20+ years.” Apparently the body is working so hard to bring itself back into balance – well, “Google” it for more details!

Jesus showed me that crying out my Father God doesn’t show a lack of faith. It shows this child knows to go to the Father with a need, a hard question, when I am overwhelmed, frustrated & frightened. Jesus was answered – with silence. But not just silence. With an angel.

Do you believe in angels? They are in the Bible. From Genesis to Revelation. They aren’t described as little chubby babies. They seem to be frighteningly big, imposing. Commanding in their messages. And caring. And comforting. And strengthening.

“Jody, stay the course. Keep leaning on the Jesus. He is walking with you. ‘Never will I leave you’ He said.”

“Why doesn’t God help us? If He would just bless us like I’m asking! Like He promised in His Word! Like He did for ____!” (someone in the Bible or someone I personally know) “I could do more ministry! It would further the Kingdom!”

Yes, I have a plan. I want God to bless my plan & me.

Do I think God has a plan? Might God’s plan have even larger, wider blessings than me & my scope of vision? Do I trust God? And there’s the bottom line: When God is silent, when He doesn’t answer the way I think or the way I am listening to hear – Do – I – trust – Him? My honest answer will determine if I continue to struggle or do I open myself to receive His peace & keep walking with Him every day. There will be more days and more conversations. That’s a loving Father.