Weak but Willing

Keep watching and praying that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. Matthew 26:41 (New American Standard Bible)

I see an acknowledgement being made by Jesus that is speaking volumes to me. The scene is unfolding in the garden of Gethsemane where Jesus is soon to be arrested and eventually crucified. The anticipation of what lay ahead (particularly His Father’s forsaking) was excruciatingly painful. Although accompanied by His disciples, their sleeping left Him humanly alone. Yet He sees and acknowledges their desire even in the midst of their failure to stay awake with Him. Their spirits were willing (eagerly ready) but that willingness was not yet matched by their actions. How I need that reminder in the midst of my own shortcomings and failures.

My desire for God and His ways can often surpass the actual realization in my life. I am resting in the fact that God not only sees the willingness but He is working to develop in me the things I presently lack. This gives me comfort and encouragement in the times when I still attempt to balance looking to people versus looking to God for specific needs in my life. It gives me assurance to know that God will continue to show me what He is really like in order to continue to fix my distorted views and opinions. It spurs me on when the very things I desire to do for Him are presently not possible.

He knows my weaknesses and frailties far better than anyone else and yet He is still in my corner watching each step that I take. He knows when victories will be mine. He knows when what I struggle with will no longer be a struggle. He knows the amount of time it will take to flesh out what my heart and spirit long for and desire. I rejoice that He is God and will move Heaven and Earth to bring about growth, progress, and change that takes me from willingness to experience.

I don’t know how many more lessons lie ahead for me to learn. Today may be a day I turn a huge corner and take yet another step toward obedience and victory. I never know how close I am to personal transformation in any area of my life. But God knows and smiles as I move closer to that moment. I simply must take His hand, tune my ear to hear His voice, and act on what He tells me. Again, it is not about perfection. It is about relationship with Him!

Father, continue the work You began in me. Bless any willingness You see in me and develop me into the one You created me to be. Your ways and Your workings far exceed my own ideas. Thank you for what You will accomplish in me today. Amen.

His Strength is Perfect ~ Steven Curtis Chapman
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LC_lld_vUCY

I welcome your questions and comments to any devotional thoughts. I am honored and delighted to share my journey with you and privileged to hear of yours.