Pastor Carl refers to summaries of the example of Jesus from John Piper's "Desiring God" devotional that can help guide us during times of difficulty:

• "Jesus chose some close friends to be with him. Verse 37: 'And taking with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, he began to be sorrowful and troubled.' So he didn't withdraw. He took the inner ring, his most precious and trusted friends, and he pulled aside with them."
• "He opened his soul to them. Verse 38: 'Then he said to them, "My soul is very sorrowful, even to death."' I can imagine their mouths dropping open, their King confessing his weakness. He opened his soul to them."
• "He asked for their help in spiritual warfare. Verse 38, second half: 'Remain here and watch with me.' Another text says 'pray,' and another, 'Don't let yourself come into temptation; stay here and fight with me. Fight with me."
• "He poured out his heart to the Father in prayer. Verse 39: 'My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me.' It's just fine to pray that the bombshell that has dropped into your life be taken away. That's just right. Whatever it is that Satan fires at you, it's just fine to say, 'Take it away Father. You're stronger than he is.'"
• "But finally, he rested his soul in the sovereign wisdom of God. Second half of verse 39: 'Nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt.'"

For Reflection

• Find your trusted friends. Who are they? Who is part of your inner ring?
• Open your soul to them.
• Ask them to fight with you, to wage war with you, to support you, to watch with you and pray with you.
• Pour out your soul to the Father.
• And rest in the sovereignty of his wisdom, come what may. "But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.