Our Dark Gethsemane

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"Go to dark Gethsemane, 

ye that feel the tempter's power.

Your Redeemer's conflict see,

watch with Him one bitter hour.

Turn not from His griefs away,

learn of Jesus Christ to pray."

"Go to Dark Gethsemane"

by James Montgomery
1771-1854
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Carl H. Bloch
Gethsemane Altarpiece
19th century

We are encouraged throughout Scripture to ask our Father for what we want in prayer (Philippians 4, Matthew 6). But knowing what we want Him to save us from isn't nearly as important as knowing where our dark Gethsemane is. Our refuge. Our sanctuary.

God's will is done no matter what we ask Him for. Prayer doesn't change Him, but it's not futile. It changes us. If His will is that your suffering continue—and often times it is—He will send an angel to comfort you in one way or another. We just have to know where to look, where Gethsemane is. Remember in the end, His will is that we be with Him in Paradise, even though we, like Jesus, may be left to suffer on a cross first. But we, unlike Jesus, will never be forsaken because He was forsaken first. You're going to make it.

"And He withdrew from them about a stone's throw, and knelt down and prayed, saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” And there appeared to Him an angel from heaven, strengthening Him." (Luke 22:41-43)

Click here to find a Gethsemane near you.