Father, if Thou be willing, remove this cup from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Thine be done.

Luke 22-42

The faith required to survive and thrive in life is forged in the most difficult circumstances. Much like a trainer, when you are pushed to your limits, the revelation is that you were stronger than you originally thought. When you are moved beyond your comfort zone, therein lies the insight that you are more than you thought. There can be no true sight of self without the challenge of external forces beating on you and internal voices telling you that you can’t make it. It is in these moments we truly learn about the mind of Christ. The garden of Gethsemane experience is an essential gateway in our walk, and it ushers in the newness and strength we never thought possible. It is where we give in completely to whatever God wants and sacrifice what we would like to happen. God’s will often will not look like what we want.

In these times of trial, our faith is refined like gold in a furnace. The heat and pressure of life’s challenges expose impurities and imperfections in our faith, allowing God to purify and strengthen it. Just as a diamond is formed under intense pressure, our faith shines brightest when it has endured the trials of life. It is through these trials that we come to understand the depth of God’s love for us and the extent of His power to sustain us.

As we face these challenges, it is important to remember that we do not walk this path alone. God is with us every step of the way, guiding us, strengthening us, and comforting us. He knows the trials we face and the struggles we endure, and He promises to never leave us or forsake us. With God by our side, we can face any challenge with confidence, knowing that He is working all things together for our good.