"Whether we are in recovery from addiction, have a senior parent move in with us, or experience an unexpected loss or medical emergency-- all of these things can cause us to question where God is in the midst of that moment. However, the example of Jesus in Gethsemane lets us know that despite what we may feel, God is ever present and will give us grace to get through nevertheless."
The Nevertheless Stage
by Bill Smith
Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” He took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee and began to be grieved and agitated. Then he said to them, “My soul is deeply grieved, even to death; remain here, and stay awake with me.” 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 26:36-39
In 2004, I was the preacher for a Lenten lunch service at Aldersgate United Methodist Church. I preached from Matthew 26:36-46. I titled the message "Reaching the Nevertheless Stage" because we all face times in our journey when we have to say, "Not my will but thine be done." Whether we are in recovery from addiction, have a senior parent move in with us, or experience an unexpected loss or medical emergency-- all of these things can cause us to question where God is in the midst of that moment. However, the example of Jesus in Gethsemane lets us know that despite what we may feel, God is ever present and will give us grace to get through nevertheless. The Savior at Gethsemane is the same person that says to us in Matthew 11:28, "Come unto me all that are weary and heavy laden and you shall find rest for your souls." Our world is in turmoil right now, but take courage! You can make it if you remember that it is not your will but His to be done, and He will get us through. Have you reached the nevertheless stage? Only you can answer that. But take heart! God is on your side.