Friday, May 9, by Nancy

Scripture:
When he came back to his disciples, he found them sound asleep. He said to Peter, "Can't you stick it out with me a single hour? Stay alert; be in prayer so you don't wander into temptation without even knowing you're in danger. There is a part of you that is eager, ready for anything in God. But there's another part that's as lazy as an old dog sleeping by the fire." Matthew 26:40-41 (Msg.)

Observation:
As Jesus faces his betrayal, trial, and death, He is understandably anguished. Being God and man, simultaneously, He is loathe to walk the path He must yet willing to do what is asked of Him. During these dark hours, He turns to His disciples, His closest friends, and asks them to pray with him. Whether it was the darkness in the garden, the lateness of the hour, or influence of the evil of the time, the disciples cannot stay awake! Jesus repeatedly finds them not praying but sleeping.

Jesus offers Peter words of understanding not condemnation. He challenges him to discover and embrace the part of him that longs to follow after God and to rid himself of the part that wants to take the easy way.

Application:
I'm so very much like Peter: part of me is ready to take on whatever challenge God places before me, willing to follow wherever He leads; but the other part is, in Jesus' words, like a lazy dog, willing to spend my life resting by the fire. I want the following part to take over. I want to resist the laziness and comfort of my surroundings and embrace the path that God has mapped out for me. I know it will not always be the easiest, I know it will not always be what is expected by my culture, but I know I will find peace and contentment and fulfillment in following after God.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, will you look at me with the same eyes with which you looked at Peter? Will you somehow find in me the willing follower? Will you strengthen my resolve, firm up my discipline, move in my heart? I want to follow hard after you. I want to be your instrument, ready to be used. Give me the courage to live the life you have planned. Use me to do your will, whatever you want.
Amen.