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When God’s Plan Brings Suffering
Mark 14:32-42
Mari Ikeda
32 They went to a place called Gethsemane, and Jesus said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” 33 He took Peter, James and John along with him, and he began to be deeply distressed and troubled. 34 “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death,” he said to them. “Stay here and keep watch.” 35 Going a little farther, he fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from him. 36 “Abba, Father,” he said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.” 37 Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Simon,” he said to Peter, “are you asleep? Couldn’t you keep watch for one hour? 38 Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” 39 Once more he went away and prayed the same thing. 40 When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. They did not know what to say to him. 41 Returning the third time, he said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Enough! The hour has come. Look, the Son of Man is delivered into the hands of sinners. 42 Rise! Let us go! Here comes my betrayer!”
1. Confide in friends and plead with God to bring an end to the suffering
2. “Yet not what I will, but what you will.”
3. Watch Jesus’ suffering
4. I Continue to pray with the help of the Holy Spirit（Romans 8:26-28）
Romans 8:26-28
26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. 27 And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God. 28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
5. The time will come to stand up and go out into the world
Summary
Through his own life and experiences, Jesus taught us that God is good and that his plans are good even when our hopes have been dashed and we feel helpless. He also taught us what to do when we are hopeless and helpless. We are invited to be honest and straightforward with God regarding our sorrow. The Holy Spirit helps us grow and change into people who can trust in God. Let us pray as Jesus prayed in Gethsemane, find God’s plan even in the midst of suffering, and walk on.
For Discussion
- When our desires aren’t consistent with God’s plan, how can we let go of our desire?
- How can we remain strong and hopeful in difficult, unchanging circumstances?