08/09/2026
Has God asked us to do something hard? Did we answer “Yes Father”, and now we find ourselves at that place He has called us to? If so, we are close now, we are facing reality, and quite possibly the terror of it. This is the moment of truth, and in it we could also be facing our deepest fears. This is the time when we must pray as though we were kneeling in Gethsemane where we are facing our own desires, and doubts. When God reveals the fullness of what He has asked of us and we have found that the nobleness of saying “Yes Lord” has worn off, we will find ourselves face to face with the reality of God’s will and our fears, and doubts too. It is in such moments when we realize fully that we cannot face what God has asked of us alone… but that even so, His will must be done.
“And going a little farther, he fell on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. And he said, "Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Remove this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will."”
Mark 14:35-36 ESV
My father was like most young men at the beginning of World War II; he heard the news of the attack on Pearl Harbor, and his honor, and love of country led him to enlist in the army. He wanted to fight for his country, but he had no real idea what that meant. It all seemed so grand... this marching off to war in defense of freedom.
Months of training was followed by a voyage to Europe aboard a troop ship as it was being hunted by German U-Boats, and the fear of war’s reality began to make itself known. Then came England and the devastation and death became even more evident, until finally it was off to the front lines. The reality of war came home to roost on him, and the horror of it all turned an innocent young man from West Virginia into a soldier who had to face fear as he fought to end a war so that he could go home. He was facing fear, and praying as he had never done before.
Then it happened, on a soggy morning on the outskirts of a town in France, an artillery shell screamed overhead and buried itself in the muddy ground right beside him where it exploded, throwing mud, rock, and shrapnel over him, and through him. When the cloud of debris settled he picked himself up and despite his blood and wounds he continued leading his men on until the battle was over. He was then shipped back to England, where gaping wounds were treated, and once healed, he was sent back into combat... it was at this moment the fear reached an ear splitting volume.
Years later I asked this man, who was decorated for bravery on several occasions, about that moment. I asked him how it felt to go back into combat knowing firsthand the pain of it, having faced the full knowledge of death that might await, and having the constant reminder of this reality that was evident in his scars. How did he face the fear at that moment? He couldn’t find the words for it, so he told me a story. He said that when he reentered combat their first mission was to take another town in France, and they had to advance towards it across an open field which would expose them to enemy fire. They were laying in lines along the edge of the field, waiting, when the order came to advance, and at hearing that order shouted every man jumped up and started running across the field. He looked at me and said “a buddy ran up on me laying there in the field and kicked the bottom of my boots as he shouted “Let’s go Charley!” If he hadn’t done that, I guess I would still be laying there.” We sat together quietly for several minutes after that revelation.
Jesus had enlisted himself for God’s plan, and just a few days prior He had told His Father that He was ready, but when He did so, did He really have a clear picture of what was to come? Listen to His words...
“When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, "Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you,”
John 17:1 ESV
These words are a far cry from what He prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane, but with bloody sweat still damp on the ground, He left that place as a prisoner, and moved forward with God’s plan and will for Him.
Not everyone will be called to risk, or give, their lives when answering God’s call, but we will all have to face our own fear in some way. The calling that God’s will asks us to accomplish will challenge our abilities, our confidence, and possibly our courage. Yet, He never leaves us to face it alone; there is always someone to run up behind us and kick our boots, angels to strengthen us, or disciples to pray fervently... and possibly someone to cut off an enemy’s ear for us.
“And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him. And being in agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.”
Luke 22:43-44 ESV
So, what are you and I facing today? Have we said yes to something God has asked of us? Is the enormity and reality of it setting in? Are we physically afraid, spiritually quaking, or doubting in our own ability? If so... let’s go to God in prayer, confident that He will send someone to kick our boots, or an Angel to strengthen us for what lies ahead; He will certainly send help.
“And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him.”
Luke 22:43 ESV
Prayer:
Father, thank you for calling me to do your will, and thank you for stretching my faith in the process, because only in this way am I assured of leaning on you for my help and provision. No matter the magnitude of your calling we all have different levels of talent and skill, and you will bring me to that place which will be my own Gethsemane, where the sweat will take on the form of blood as I ask that your cup be taken from me. Give me the strength and resolve at that moment of crisis, and of no return, help me to say “your will, not mine, be done”, and lead me on. Give me courage, wisdom, perseverance... whatever is necessary, whatever it is that I am lacking. In the end Holy Father, when what you have asked is behind me, and the victory of it has been won, hear my praise, and thanksgiving for your strong hand at the height of my greatest need. Receive the glory of those things you have allowed me to accomplish because without you I would not have overcome the least of my fears and weaknesses. You are Great and Merciful Father, and your goodness and love upholds me in every dire circumstance I face for you. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you my God, who teaches me to overcome by yielding to your will, and your provision when my ability has been depleted. In you Father, nothing is impossible!
“For nothing will be impossible with God."”
Luke 1:37 ESV
Amen! Amen! Amen!
Rich Forbes