Trusting in God's Plan

A Devotion for the Contemplation of Lent

Matthew 29:36-46

Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” 37 He took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee and began to be grieved and agitated. 38 Then he said to them, “My soul is deeply grieved, even to death; remain here, and stay awake with me.” 39 And going a little farther, he threw himself on the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me, yet not what I want but what you want.” 40 Then he came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and he said to Peter, “So, could you not stay awake with me one hour? 41 Stay awake and pray that you may not come into the time of trial;[i] the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” 42 Again, he went away for the second time and prayed, “My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done.” 43 Again, he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. 44 So, leaving them again, he went away and prayed for the third time, saying the same words. 45 Then he came to the disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? Now the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 46 Get up, let us be going. Look, my betrayer is at hand.”

Introduction

As we continue in this Lenten season, I want to delve into the profound theme of trusting in God's plan. Throughout history, we have seen that God's plans often diverge from our human expectations, yet they are always perfect and purposeful. Today, we will explore this theme by examining Jesus' unwavering trust in God's plan, even amidst the greatest of suffering.

Jesus’ Trust in God’s Plan

In today's passage, we find ourselves in the garden of Gethsemane, a serene yet harrowing landscape illuminated by the dim light of twilight. This sacred place becomes the setting for an intensely significant moment of prayer and spiritual confrontation for Jesus. In the Gospel of Matthew, specifically in verse 26:39, we hear the anguished words of Jesus as He retreats a short distance from His disciples. He falls to the ground in desperation and fervently prays, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me, yet not what I want but what you want.”

In this agonizing moment, we see Jesus grappling with the weight of the suffering that lies ahead—His impending crucifixion and the separation from the Father that will come with it. His emotional turmoil is palpable as He expresses His desire to avoid such a devastating experience. However, in the midst of His anguish, we observe a remarkable act of submission and unwavering trust. Jesus places His own wishes aside, fully surrendering to the divine will of His Father.

This noteworthy illustration of trust amid tremendous adversity offers a compelling lesson for each of us in our personal faith journeys. Jesus faced a path riddled with betrayal from His closest friends, scorn from the very people He came to save, and the harrowing ordeal of crucifixion—a form of punishment marked by excruciating pain and ridicule. Yet, with a profound sense of purpose, He embraced this daunting journey, grounded in His unwavering faith in the Father's overarching plan for redemption.

In Hebrews 12:2, we are reminded to “look to Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.” It emotionally describes how, for the joy set before Him—the promise of salvation and eternal life for humanity—Jesus endured the cross, disregarding the shame and agony associated with it. His extraordinary trust was not born from a lack of suffering or fear but rather a steadfast belief in God's ultimate redemptive purpose and the hope that would arise from His sacrifice.

Biblical Examples of Trusting in God's Plan

Throughout Scripture, we encounter numerous examples of individuals who trusted God's plan despite overwhelming circumstances. Consider Abraham, who was called to leave his homeland and journey to an unknown land, trusting in God's promise (Genesis 12:1-4). Abraham's trust was tested further when God asked him to sacrifice his beloved son, Isaac. Yet, in Genesis 22:8, Abraham responded with unwavering faith, saying, "God will provide for himself the lamb for a burnt offering, my son." Abraham's trust in God's provision was rewarded, and his faith became a cornerstone of our faith lineage.

Another example is Joseph, whose life was marked by betrayal, false accusations, and imprisonment. In Genesis 50:20, Joseph reflects on his journey, saying, "Even though you intended to do harm to me, God intended it for good, in order to preserve a numerous people, as he is doing today." Just like Abraham, Joseph's trust in God's plan enabled him to see the greater purpose behind his suffering, culminating in the preservation of an entire nation.

Illustrations of Trust in Our Lives

Even as we reflect on these biblical examples, we must also consider how we can apply this trust in our own lives. Imagine a master weaver crafting an intricate tapestry. From our limited perspective, we see only a tangled mess of threads. However, the master weaver sees the completed design, each thread meticulously placed to form a beautiful pattern. Similarly, our lives may seem chaotic and confusing, yet God, the Master Weaver, is orchestrating every detail for His divine purpose.

In times of doubt and turmoil, we can find solace and guidance in the profound wisdom of Proverbs 3:5-6, which beautifully states, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." This powerful passage reminds us that our human perspective is often limited and incapable of fully grasping the intricate and divine blueprint that God has for each of our lives.

When we place our complete trust in God, surrendering our worries and uncertainties, we open ourselves up to divine guidance. Imagine navigating a winding path through a dense forest; without a precise map, the journey can feel daunting and unclear. Yet, when we acknowledge God in every aspect of our lives—be it our personal challenges, career choices, or relationships—God the Holy Spirit illuminates the way forward, smoothing out the obstacles and uncertainties that lie ahead. By embracing this trust and faith, we can move confidently along the path God has laid out for us, knowing that His plan is ultimately for our good.

Strengthening Our Faith in God’s Purposes

So, you ask, how do we strengthen our faith in God's purposes? Firstly, we must immerse ourselves in God’s Word, the only remaining witness to the life of the saints, prophets, and, of course, Christ Jesus. Romans 10:17 reminds us, "So faithcomes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the word of Christ." The Scriptures are a treasure trove of examples, promises, and assurances of God's faithfulness. As we meditate on scripture, our trust in God’s plan grows.

Secondly, we must cultivate a life of prayer. Philippians 4:6-7 encourages us, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Through prayer, we align our hearts with God's will, finding peace and confidence in His plan.

Lastly, we must surround ourselves with a community of faith. Hebrews 10:24-25 exhorts us, "And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching." Because it is in fellowship, we find encouragement, support, and, most importantly, examples of God's faithfulness.

Conclusion

In light of this message from scripture, let us draw inspiration from Jesus' trust in God's plan, even in the face of immense suffering. May we embrace the biblical examples of trust, seeing them as beacons of hope in our personal and communal faith journeys. As we trust in God's purposes, may our faith be strengthened, knowing that God is the Master Weaver, intricately designing the tapestry of our lives. I pray that in this Lenten season, you will rest in the promise of Christ’s suffering, immerse yourself in God’s witness and Word, seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit in prayer, and find strength in the fellowship of believers. Amen.