Key Passage
The sons answered, “You will have glory {in your kingdom}. Let one of us sit at your right, and let one of us sit at your left.” Jesus said, “You don’t understand what you are asking. Can you accept the kind of suffering that I must have? Can you be baptized with the same kind of baptism that I must have?”
— Mark 10:37-38 ERV (Read Full Text)
Key Thought
Before we overestimate what we would actually do to serve the Lord, we had better look at some who failed him miserably. This is not to discourage us, but to humble us and remind us of how difficult it is to let faith triumph over fear and trust win over trial. We will not make it on our own, but with the help of the Lord and the encouragement of each other, by God’s grace we can remain faithful even unto the point of death.
Prayer
O God, I confess that I cannot do it alone. My strength is not sufficient. Even looking at the great heroes of faith who have paid the ultimate price before me, I’m sure that I don’t have the strength to pay the ultimate price on my own. So, dear Father, I turn to you and the power of the Holy Spirit to sustain me. I ask that the encouragement and support of your people can uphold me. I promise to do my best, but I also know that without your grace, my best is not sufficient. So please strengthen my courage and inspire my strength. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Related Scriptures
Then Jesus went back to his followers. He found them sleeping. He said to Peter, “Simon, why are you sleeping? You could not stay awake with me for one hour? Stay awake and pray for strength against temptation. Your spirit wants to do what is right. But your body is weak.” Again Jesus went away and prayed the same thing.
— Mark 14:37-39
So be humble under God’s powerful hand. Then he will lift you up when the right time comes. Give all your worries to him, because he cares for you. Control yourselves and be careful! The devil is your enemy. And he goes around like a roaring lion looking for some person to eat. Refuse to follow the devil. Stand strong in your faith. You know that your brothers and sisters all over the world are having the same sufferings that you have. Yes, you will suffer for a short time. But after that, God will make everything right. He will make you strong. He will support you and keep you from falling. He is the God that gives all grace (kindness). He called you to share in his glory in Christ. That glory will continue forever. All power is his forever and ever. Amen.
— 1 Peter 5:6-11
We heard about those things and we became very afraid. And now, none of our men are brave enough to fight you. Why? Because the Lord your God rules the heavens above and the earth below!
— Joshua 2:11
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