Do you avoid Gethsemane?

The garden is a place of blood, sweat and, occasionally, tears. This weather pushes me into my garden (mentally). The bitter winds make me crave the warmth of the summer, the commitment to the process, and the brutal work that comes with it. This work isn’t easy, but for some reason, my soul is satisfied in the garden.
I believe Jesus felt this deep satisfaction in His soul as He prayed, “Not what I will, but what You will.” He knew the work to be done would be unbearably painful; however, He trusted anyway. There is nothing about bearing the cross that was going to be simple, but the desire to please the Father outweighed the fear.
So, when was the last time you visited your Gethsemane? Where do you go when you desire to be obedient in hard things? Do you sit outside the garden with your friends and rely on weary sinners’ prayers? Do you hide from the garden, knowing it is where God asks hard things of you? Or have you dismissed it all together and went to exchange your obedience for a mere pocketful of earthly coins? Your willingness to come to the garden proves to God your heart’s true desire. Do you want to do His will? Do you desire Him over the world? Are you willing to live as a living sacrifice? Are you willing to allow your soul to be overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death?
I know that is a lot to take in; I’m pondering the same questions. However, the results of Jesus’ obedience led to the salvation of mankind. Our obedience has eternal consequences as well. So, when we approach Gethsemane, know that the Lord may ask hard things, but also know the victory is already His. Be willing to enter into Gethsemane and also to pray, “Not my will, but Your’s.” Your “ yes” in the garden could be the fuel to others saying “yes” to Christ.
Luke 22:42, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine be done.”
John 14:23
23 Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.
Hebrews 5.7-9 “While Jesus was here on earth, he offered prayers and pleadings, with a loud cry and tears, to the one who could rescue him from death. And God heard his prayers because of his deep reverence for God. Even though Jesus was God’s Son, he learned obedience from the things he suffered. In this way, God qualified him as a perfect High Priest, and he became the source of eternal salvation for all those who obey him. “
Have a blessed night!