Weary. Tired. Beaten down. But never alone.
Through the video series “Victorious and Joyful in Battle,” we acknowledged that everyone is facing a battle in their lives. Our battles may look different, but the struggles are the same. And in the midst of the battle, we get weary and forgetful. The struggles consume us because we are in survival mode and can lose sight of what we are fighting for.
The hope of victory may feel like a distant, even nonexistent reality. However, we can wait in hope and eager expectation of the victory we have in Christ!
This past weekend, we celebrated the victory of the resurrection—the ultimate victory over death. And if we have been united with Christ in His death and His burial, we are promised the victory of the resurrection (Rom. 6:1-4)!
Yet Jesus, in His humanity, even though He knew with absolute certainty the promise of the resurrection, He and His disciples became weary in the battle.
We do not have to feel guilty for feeling weary! And when we do feel beaten down and exhausted, Jesus reminds us of three keys during the weary stage of the battle, as we eagerly anticipate the victory of the resurrection.
Jesus’ example shows us that
1. It’s okay to admit our weariness. “Then he said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death... The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Matt. 26:38a, 41b).
2. It’s okay to ask for help. “...and he said to them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him... Stay here and keep watch with me” (Matt. 26:36-38).
3. Prayer is vital for keeping our perspective. “So he left them and went away once more and prayed the third time, saying the same thing” (Matt. 26:44).
I rejoice with you in the hope of the resurrection and the victory we share through Him.