A Bull at the Gate?

Have you ever been like a bull at the gate, determined to charge into something and make it happen, no matter what? Sometimes opportunities present themselves that seem like they must be seized immediately, and so we do—even though everyone around us is screaming, "No…not now…not like this!"

friend, there's a great expression that says, "There's power in calm." I believe that rest always brings us more than decisions made in stress do. 

When Jesus was facing the worst hour of His life, He could have been like a bull at the gate—He could've made an escape plan with His disciples, for example, or planned a counterattack! 

But He didn't! He sought rest first: "He took Peter, James and John along with Him, and He began to be deeply distressed and troubled. 'My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death,' He said to them. 'Stay here and keep watch.' Going a little farther, He fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from Him." (Mark 14:33-35 NIV) 

Whew, what a tough act to follow. Jesus chose to walk this terrifying path without devising a plan of His own. He faithfully pressed on. Jesus came into this situation from a place of rest. 

friend, I encourage you to act out of prayer and not out of emotion. We know the results of Jesus' obedience today: because He chose the Father's path and did not resist, we are alive today! Yes, because He died, we live! 

"...'You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.'" (John 13:7 NIV) 

friend, your life is not out of control! God is still in control! 

Today, come to Him with your fear. Receive His peace. Kneel before Him and tell Him, "My Jesus, I need You. Help me! I give You my life and all my trust. Amen."

Just as He did, choose to act out of prayer!

You are a miracle!