It was at such a time that Jesus felt that his burden was more than he could bear and asked that, if possible, the cup of suffering be removed, that he might not have to pass through the severe ordeal that was facing him. His humanity weakened and shuddered at the approach of the greatest trial of his life. But he humbly submitted and said, "Father, not my will, but thy will, be done." It was then that angels came and ministered unto him; the gates of glory were thrown open, the burden was gone, and he could go forth as a captive set free.
As he left that place of prayer, that place of victory, it was to face the foe in the hottest of the fight. Although he was upheld by the unseen presence of the Father and strengthened by the angels, nevertheless in the darkest hour of the conflict he cried out, "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" But even in this final test he said, "Father, into thy hands I commend my Spirit." This was followed by the unprecedented glories of the resurrection. What a wonderful lesson to us of submission and trust!
FAILED TO FORGIVE THOSE WHO HAD WRONGED HIM
An unforgiving disposition will hinder one from being humble or from reaching the necessary point of submission. When Stephen was being stoned by his persecutors, his dying prayer was, "Lord, lay not this sin to their charge." One Sunday when I was conducting an inquiry-service in a State prison, after I had commented on these words of Jesus, "If ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses," a prisoner arose and said, "For years I have sought the Lord, but never before have I known what hindered me from obtaining peace to my soul. But now I see it is because I have held a grudge against those who have wronged me. I forgive them." Peace came into his soul as he yielded this point.
DESPONDENCY AND DISCOURAGEMENT
Instead of counting your trials and indulging in dark forebodings, throw away such feelings by counting your past blessings if you can think of no present blessings. When Paul and Silas were in prison with their feet fastened in the stocks, the pain in their lacerated backs no doubt often reminded them of the cruel treatment they had received at the hands of their enemies; but they looked away from their trials, and, "counting all things joy," at the midnight hour they were rejoicing, singing songs, and praising God. The result was marvelous. Had they set themselves to complaining, they would have spent a miserable night.
A sister was once just at the point of throwing down her shield of faith and ceasing her efforts in serving the Lord, because of some difficulty which had arisen between her husband and one of the brethren, and in which in a sense she also was involved. She had always entertained implicit confidence in the brother, but now said she could never have confidence in him again. Had it been some worldly person, she could have overlooked the matter, but to have one of the brethren make such statements was more than she could endure. However, she relented, and before she could gain the necessary victory, she had to make a decision to stand true to God regardless of the source of the trial.
At this point is where many fail, not because the trial is greater than some other through which they have passed, but because it comes from an entirely unexpected source.
UNNECESSARY SELF-ACCUSATIONS
A woman and her husband who were ministers were once drawn into a difficulty with others and had to call for aid in making an adjustment. When the time came for a consideration of the matter, she humbly and nobly did her part, to the satisfaction of all concerned. Although there was nothing demoralizing about the case, yet she felt very humiliated to think that she, a minister, should have thus become involved in such a contention, and thought that the brother who was called to help in the adjustment would never have confidence in her again. For four years she worried over the matter, often losing sleep at night, and felt herself gradually weakening in spirituality and courage.