On a recent jog the image of Jesus praying in the Garden of Gethsamane came to mind. In that battle He faced I believe is the pattern for us winning the battles we face.

 

Here it is, New Year’s resolution time. Since I’m writing on January 3rd, many already blew their resolutions for this year! For years I wished my will could be stronger so I could just be like Superman on the inside. I wished my will would be like iron so when put in a testing situation I could just muscle up my willpower and turn away. Wouldn’t that be great. Probably the number 1 resolution every year is to start exercising and dropping a few pounds. We have great intentions but then those late night cravings come. The thick burger shows on the tv screen and we just can’t take it. We find ourselves foraging in the cupboards and vow to do better tomorrow, so much for the iron will.

 

Jesus model is different. He faced his fears and his humanity. He anguished over what was in front of Him. He didn’t deny the battle that loomed large in front of Him. He didn’t deny He’d rather not fight that battle. "If there is any other way that would be alright with me," He prayed. Why not admit like He did the battle is fierce? Lord, I’m out of control. I love to. . . but it is killing me (fill in the blank).

 

Now watch this in Jesus Model, "I’d rather not face the cross but, NOT MY WILL but YOURS be done." Jesus didn’t muster up His will to be stronger. He didn’t berate Himself for having human feelings of inadequacy, He simply surrendered to His Father’s Will. "I can’t do it, He can do it, I’ll let Him."

 

Here is how to surrender. Whatever the thing you battle the most, think about how readily you surrender to that thing. Your Creator, your Heavenly Father wants at least that same level of surrender to Him. Use that flawed surrender to your pet habit to teach you about true surrender to the Father. He desires at least that level of surrender to start. Hope this helps.

 

Scott