I’ve always been sympathetic with the portrayal of Peter, James and John in Mark 14:32-42.
For in that passage describing the recurrent drowsiness of the apostles while Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane, I’ve found myself.
When Jesus needed their prayer support more than ever, their flesh trumped their faith.
They weren’t rejecting Him. It’s just that their level of intercession wasn’t respecting and protecting Him.
Because of the combination of several biological and life situational factors, I rarely get enough sleep. This means that my eyes are frequently drowsy.
It stinks.
Because of coffee and stubborn determination, though, I’m typically able to push through the drowsiness and accomplish most of what I believe God expects from me during the day.
I know, however, that I’m landing short of my potential in some respects because my eyes so frequently are saying, “Enough already!”
It had to be very embarrassing for Peter, James and John when they repeatedly fell asleep during the crucial times that Jesus most wanted them awake and praying.
What could they say in response? Nothing.
What did they say in response? Nothing.
What can I say to Christ when He finds my mind stumbling about in mental/eyesight fatigue rather than laser-focused on pressing needs of the Kingdom and its people?
Nothing.
Listen. Perhaps you’re like me and you need to reconsider when you pray. If I wait until late at night to pray intensively/extensively, or if I seek to do so when I’m still trying to put the toothpicks in my eyelids after I wake up before 5:30 a.m., I’m probably going to struggle like the three apostles did.
I’m praying for wisdom in this regard so that my prayer life will bear more fruit for the Kingdom and its people.
Please pray the same for your life.
As always, I love you
Martin
