November 1st~Yes Even Though

John 18:1, 2


Mark 14:32-42

Matthew 26:36-46

Luke 22:39-46

Mark 14:43-52

Matthew 26:47-56

Luke 22:47-53

John 18:3-24

Courage — what does it mean? It is derived from the French word coeur, meaning “heart,” and marks one who has a resolute spirit. Noah Webster defined courage as a “quality of mind that enables a man to encounter danger or difficulty with firmness” (1828 Dictionary). Courage, then, is not simply to act in the absence of fear, but rather to act in spite of it. Thus, courage is being brave enough to do what should be done even when we are afraid.

In the Scriptures, courage has been demonstrated in many ways. For example, David faced a giant warrior when he was only a boy. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to bow to a king’s idol, even when that meant getting thrown into a fiery furnace. Esther stood up for what’s right, even when she could lose her position as Queen. There are many pictures of courage, but none of them are as exemplary as what Christ did in the Garden of Gethsemane.

The night of His arrest, Jesus was facing His fears. In fact, He was in such “agony that His sweat fell to the ground like great drops of blood” (Luke 22:44). The word “agony” comes from the word agon, which means “to wrestle.” What exactly was Jesus wrestling? He was wrestling with a decision to walk the path His Father had prescribed, knowing full well that it was fraught with danger and ended with the most barbarous death one could suffer.

His fears were obvious; His anxiety evident. He admitted, “My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death” (Mark 14:34). He was disturbed and distressed. The pressure was so intense that His sweat glands began to hemorrhage and drops of blood were squeezed from His pores. What a scene, to see our Savior pressed by the weight of the world, like the olives that were so often pressed in that very garden.

However, despite the emotional and mental torture that He had already endured, and despite seeing ahead to the excruciating pain of the cross, He uttered the most courageous words in the Bible, “Yet I want your will, not mine.” The most important word in that statement is “yet.” I like to use it as an acrostic which stands for three words — “Yes Even Though.” Jesus said “yes” to the Lord’s will, even though He was afraid. Jesus said “yes” and offered to lay down His life, even though it was ours that should’ve been sacrificed.

Daily Reflection

What is it that God has asked you to do for Him? In what position has He placed you that causes you to fear or fret?

The most glorifying choice you can make in your life is to say yes to God’s will, even though it may not be what you had in mind, even though it may not be easy, and even though it may cause you pain and heartache. Christ humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death. Jesus said “yes” to the cross, even though He was afraid. That is courage.

Whatever God is asking you to do today is nothing compared to what He asked Christ to do. Still, sometimes your problems look so daunting. Just remember to say “Y.E.T.,” yes to His will, even though you may foresee danger or difficulty. “Be strong and of good courage; do not fear or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9). He has not given us a spirit of fear, but of strength... and courage.

BiAY.org | Day 305 — 60 Days to Go