Going a little farther, he fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from him. “Abba, Father,” he said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.”

If anyone ever told you being a Christian was easy, they lied. What they forgot to mention are the true sacrifices it requires. It means emptying our cup of all that is separating us from God, giving up our own desires and expectations for our lives; to let go of control. “Alright, it’s empty. Now, fill me up, Lord. I’m ready!” But it is certainly not that simple or painless to incorporate your faith fully in your life without experiencing times of suffering. As Jesus suffered, and even died on the cross for us, we will experience suffering when truly abiding by his call.

JESUS, YOU SUFFERED BECAUSE OF YOUR GREAT LOVE FOR US. LET MY LOVE FOR YOU BE MY GUIDE IN ALL I DO. BE WITH ME WHEN IT HURTS. HOLD ME WHEN I CRY. HELP ME LET GO OF EVERYTHING THAT SEPARATES ME FROM YOUR LOVE, AND FILL MY CUP WITH YOUR JOY. AMEN.

-Shared by Marisa Knight