For those of you closest to me you have probably heard me mention at one time or another my fondness for the word nevertheless. In fact it is my favorite word in the bible. It is also a word that I have been clinging to in the midst of my current storm.
The webster definition of "nevertheless" simply means "in spite of". Simple right? You'd be amazed. I recall one bible study a year or so ago where my pastor asked us to say different powerful words found in the bible. I said "nevertheless" and while no one said anything I saw the puzzled looks. But it is true....while the word goes virtually unnoticed in the bible it packs quite a powerful message...let's examine this further shall we?
Luke 22:40-43 reads:
"And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation. And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down, and prayed, Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done. And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him."
For those who are unfamiliar with this passage, Jesus was praying in the Garden of Gethsemane prior to Him being captured and persecuted. He already knew His fate and He knew the time was drawing near however He did not want to have to go through with it (who would), He knew the pain, suffering,and betrayal that lied ahead. But even in the midst of His anxiety and fleshy emotions He quickly identified that it was not His will that was to be fulfilled but the will of God hence Him saying "nevertheless not my will but thy will be done". Nevertheless.....
What this passage also shows me is that Jesus too struggled with things He was called to do yet understood who's plan was to be fulfilled - Nevertheless. In our own lives and our own trials we will be faced with times where our will and God's will do not line up but we have to have faith enough to live by the code: Nevertheless. God regardless of what I want to happen nevertheless...... Regardless of what I think nevertheless..... Regardless of my feelings nevertheless..... Nevertheless to me is a spiritual action word. It is a verbal affirmation of faith. To follow your own will or desires by the word nevertheless you are acknowledging you are not the one in control and that the final decision is not yours. This state of mind is a lot easier said then done and God knew that. Take a look at verse 43: "And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, stengthening him". I believe that God sent an angel to stengthen Jesus as a reward for his faith and obedience. This shows me all we have to do is take the first step - live in the nevertheless and God will give you the strength to deal/cope with whatever you are facing.
Lord, you know me and my inner thoughts. You created me and you know the desires of my heart. Father my desire is to keep my son Alexander and if it be your will please let this cup pass from us.....nevertheless not my will but thy will be done. Amen.
The webster definition of "nevertheless" simply means "in spite of". Simple right? You'd be amazed. I recall one bible study a year or so ago where my pastor asked us to say different powerful words found in the bible. I said "nevertheless" and while no one said anything I saw the puzzled looks. But it is true....while the word goes virtually unnoticed in the bible it packs quite a powerful message...let's examine this further shall we?
Luke 22:40-43 reads:
"And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation. And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down, and prayed, Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done. And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him."
For those who are unfamiliar with this passage, Jesus was praying in the Garden of Gethsemane prior to Him being captured and persecuted. He already knew His fate and He knew the time was drawing near however He did not want to have to go through with it (who would), He knew the pain, suffering,and betrayal that lied ahead. But even in the midst of His anxiety and fleshy emotions He quickly identified that it was not His will that was to be fulfilled but the will of God hence Him saying "nevertheless not my will but thy will be done". Nevertheless.....
What this passage also shows me is that Jesus too struggled with things He was called to do yet understood who's plan was to be fulfilled - Nevertheless. In our own lives and our own trials we will be faced with times where our will and God's will do not line up but we have to have faith enough to live by the code: Nevertheless. God regardless of what I want to happen nevertheless...... Regardless of what I think nevertheless..... Regardless of my feelings nevertheless..... Nevertheless to me is a spiritual action word. It is a verbal affirmation of faith. To follow your own will or desires by the word nevertheless you are acknowledging you are not the one in control and that the final decision is not yours. This state of mind is a lot easier said then done and God knew that. Take a look at verse 43: "And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, stengthening him". I believe that God sent an angel to stengthen Jesus as a reward for his faith and obedience. This shows me all we have to do is take the first step - live in the nevertheless and God will give you the strength to deal/cope with whatever you are facing.
Lord, you know me and my inner thoughts. You created me and you know the desires of my heart. Father my desire is to keep my son Alexander and if it be your will please let this cup pass from us.....nevertheless not my will but thy will be done. Amen.