How To Overcome

Ever since the world experienced the pandemic there has been an increase in anxiety, fear and depression. How can we stay healthy emotionally when there is so much going on in this world right now? One thing for sure is Jesus understands what we go through. It can be a surprise when we really sit to think how Jesus experienced the same emotions we feel. How could the son of God feel what we feel? 

One important chapter in the Bible will help us stay strong in difficult times. In Matthew 26, the night before Jesus was crucified He was in the Garden of Gethsemane. He experienced several difficult emotions which many of us have also felt. He felt lonely, He experienced disappointment, He was betrayed and He was also rejected. If you recall what happened to Jesus that night we will remember He experienced such intense stress He sweat blood. The weight of the world was on His shoulder and He even asked if the cup could be taken from Him. So what did Jesus do to overcome? He prayed 3 times that night to fight against what He was feeling. He took Peter, James and John with Him to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray.

Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder. Matthew 26:36 KJV

And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt. Matthew 26:39 KJV

This is the first account of Jesus going off to pray. Each time He came back Jesus would find the disciples sleeping.

He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done. Matthew 26:42 KJV

This is the second account of Jesus going off to pray by himself. When He returned Jesus again found His disciples asleep.

And he left them, and went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words. Matthew 26:44 KJV

This was the third time Jesus had gone alone to pray that night. When He returned this final time Judas Iscariot arrived with a multitude of people holding swords and staves given to them by the chief priests and elders. This night is an example of how Jesus dealt with His emotions. He had to look to God the Father and have more love towards Him than the problem He was facing. He believed God was bigger than what He felt. He was focused on what was the end result rather than what He was about to experience. 

Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2 KJV

The passage above tells us Jesus despised the shame He was about to experience. Many people to do this day still do not know Jesus was crucified naked. He did not have any clothes on Him as it is depicted on the crucifixions of the Catholic church.

Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took his garments, and made four parts, to every soldier a part; and also his coat: now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout. They said therefore among themselves, Let us not rend it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be: that the scripture might be fulfilled, which saith, They parted my raiment among them, and for my vesture they did cast lots. These things therefore the soldiers did. John 19:23-24 KJV

The Roman soldiers tore His undergarments in four pieces but saved His coat because they saw it was valuable. It takes great skill to weave a garment without a seam and this made the tunic valuable. It was not fabric pieced together.

You were the “joy” that was in His focus to endure the pain, as well as, the shame of hanging on the cross. Seeing you saved and accepted into the family of God brought Him strength to continue. We can take notes from the Lord to be able to overcome whatever circumstance we face knowing He is with us. He will strengthen us! 

If you are facing challenges or difficult times remember these 3 things Jesus did:

1) He had to pray more than what His feelings were causing

2) He had to have more love for God than His problems

3) He believed God was bigger than what He felt

You can stay focused and be victorious! Peter the disciple took His eyes off Jesus just for a moment when the Lord called him to walk on water. Make sure you don’t take your eyes off of Him and do the same. Keep your eyes on Jesus!