For when you feel like giving up || Becky Olorunpomi

It may surprise some, but Jesus actually almost gave up on dying for humanity...
As the time drew near for the fulfilment of His purpose on earth, He must have had a glimpse of the sorrow, suffering, pain and all of the sacrifice...and He almost gave up.
But thank God He did not! God encouraged and strengthened Him, and He went on to pay the ultimate price for us all.
Similarly, sometimes, we can come to a point in life where what lies ahead seems too daunting; we need not fear or dread, all we need is get into "Gethsemane" and draw some strength...Becky shares more insight with us in this wonderful piece...
****
"And He was withdrawn from them about a stone's throw, and He knelt down and prayed, saying, "Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done." Then an angel appeared to Him from heaven, strengthening Him. And being in agony, He prayed more earnestly. Then His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground" (Luke 22:41-44).

Whenever I read this verse of Scriptures, I get amazed. And here's why....
If there ever was anyone in life who understood his purpose on earth perfectly, it was Jesus.

He didn't need any tutelage, mentoring or counselling on that. He knew so well why He descended from Heaven to earth - to redeem mankind by laying down His life. It was well written and clearly stated in Scripture (Genesis 3:15); angels declared it, prophets foretold it, everyone was expecting Him (Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 2:21-32).

Finally He came and from childhood, He consciously walked in purpose. Several times He told any and every one He encountered and all who cared to listen about His purpose on earth. He even chose and trained a few men - twelve, precisely - who would continue after He's done. All these point to the reality of walking in His purpose… who has ever been so sure of his calling like this?

Everyone around in His time knew why He came as He made His manifesto clear...the blind, the lame, the deaf and dumb, the leprous, the prostitutes, the dead, the outcast, the demon-possessed, the rich, the poor, the educated and non-educated, even those in the authority were not oblivious of His assignment.

He was so sure that He knew the right time to launch out. He knew when it wasn’t time. Many times, He hid from physical attacks and assaults because His time had not come yet. He told His mother, brothers and disciples when the right time would come and prepared everyone for His assignment. He also gave them the assurance of the aftermath of His purpose. He even knew when the time was near. He was such a perfect man who knew what He wanted from life and how exactly to achieve it.

But while preparing for the final actualization of His purpose, He got to the “Garden of Gethsemane” and almost turned back. He almost gave up. I wouldn't know what He saw, I wouldn't even know why He had to say that prayer (our anchor text), but I know (because I read it in the Scripture) that He almost gave up. It took The Father to send an angel to strengthen, encourage and motivate him.

I imagine (I always imagine how the conversation went) the angel saying, "Son of God, You have come too far to back out now. You are the only One who could do this, so please endure." And showing Him the glorious rewards that awaited Him after the suffering, I imagine the angel adding, "See these glorious rewards awaiting you, Son of God. Please don't let these images of God perish in their sin. You can do it! You can do it!!! We know you can do it!!!"

Wow! What an emotional passage of the Bible!
As a child of God, there will be times you'll be in the Garden Of Gethsemane where you would almost turn back from your purpose, calling, ministry, marriage, and whatever it is the Lord has called you and sent you to the earth to do.
Some of us have just gotten to that Garden while some have been in that garden several times. Every child of God has that “Gethsemane Experience” and only those who come out of the garden strengthened, encouraged and motivated succeed just as Jesus Christ did, and went on to fulfil His purpose.

So are you tired of forging ahead? Are you even confused of exactly what your purpose is any longer?
You are not alone in this; even your Saviour, Master and greatest Mentor once wore those shoes and He knows exactly what you're going through and how you feel.

And you know what? You have a better companion now who can strengthen you - the HOLY SPIRIT!

All you need to do is ask for His help and direction. He's willing and will be glad to strengthen, encourage and   motivate you to move on.

You have come this far and you cannot just back out now. Don't give up. Don't rush out of the garden, get all the strength, encouragement and motivation you need so that when you are out of that Garden, you’ll be strengthened enough to fulfil your destiny. You can only succeed in fulfilling destiny when you have refuelled. SO, DON’T GIVE UP! See you at the top.


Becky Olorunpomi is a writer and speaker. She's a reporter at the Fountain of Life Church office, Ilupeju. She is also the convener of the annual Singles Summit which also has a Facebook page (Singles Gist).  She obtained a BA in English and Literary studies as well as a PGD and MSc in Mass communication. You can follow her on Twitter: @bodex4mama

Have you ever had a "Gethsemane" moment? Do share with us. Thanks.