Good afternoon! I hope this email finds you in the midst of a meaningful and contemplative Holy Week. Our Lenten Devotional writer for today is Brenda Mapel. Brenda is a Junior from Arkansas City, Kansas, and she’s majoring in Religion here at TCU. Brenda is an extremely active member of our Disciples campus ministry, Disciples On Campus (DOC). Those who know Brenda well describe her as someone who is always striving to grow in her faith. Her friends also identify her as being someone who is authentic, thoughtful, and intentional in her spiritual practices. I think you will find all of those wonderful qualities present in her devotional. May you find comfort and peace in her words for us today.
Blessings upon your Holy Week…
Todd
April 15, 2014
By: Brenda Mapel
Finding Help in the Garden
And going a little farther, he threw himself on the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet not what I want but what you want.” -Matthew 26:39
It seems like this is one of the most stressful times of the year. Assignments are due, the school year is ending, and nobody knows what the future will hold. Many of us are graduating and moving on to the next chapter of our lives, while some of us still have a long way to go. I’ve constantly battled stress and worry for most of my life. At certain times anxiety seems to consume my world. My worry seems to be a side-effect of the life I chose. I keep reminding myself, “The path you chose is tough, so don’t be surprised when obstacles show up,” but this doesn’t seem to help. I am excited about the journey I’m on, but right now the path seems scary.
Jesus also had an overwhelming path, to say the least. Hearing the story of that night in the garden gives me hope. That was the night Jesus asked for help. He acknowledged that the obstacles he faced were too big for him to face alone, and more importantly he asked for God’s plan to unfold, not his. When I feel myself fall into the downward-spiral of stress I’m reminded to reach out like Jesus did. To pray that God will bring me through whatever I am struggling with. It’s hard for me to acknowledge my vulnerability and to be humble enough to ask for help. However, seeing Jesus reach out at his weakest moment gives me confidence that God that will bring me through anything.
Loving Lord, you know that I stumble through life. Sometimes the road is too much for me to handle. If it is possible, can you smooth out the path? Give me peace in your plan and courage to get through it. Amen
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