Blogging Through Embracing Gethsemane: Navigating Life's Darkest Moments - Choosing Between Options

This post is part of a series documenting my journey as I blog through my book.

As I continue blogging through Embracing Gethsemane: Navigating Life’s Darkest Moments, I am reflecting on the profound choices we face in our own Gethsemane moments. One story that powerfully illustrates this is that of Jim Elliot, a missionary to the Waorani people in Ecuador.

Jim Elliot's life is a testament to extraordinary bravery and selflessness. Instead of stepping back in the face of danger, he volunteered to bring the gospel to a hostile environment. He made this choice with full awareness of the potentially lethal consequences. Jim knew his mission could cost him his life, but he chose the path of self-sacrifice, driven by a deep commitment to his faith and the people he sought to reach.

Jim Elliot's decision is a powerful example of the commitment that can inspire us all. He once wrote, "He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose." This perspective is rooted in the teachings of Jesus, who said in Mark 8:35, "For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it."

In our lives, we may not be called to face physical danger as Jim Elliot did, but we encounter moments where we must choose between preserving our own will and desires or offering ourselves to God and sacrificing our self-will for His purposes. These are our Gethsemane moments, where our choices can shape our spiritual journey and our relationship with God.

In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus faced a choice of immense gravity. Knowing the suffering that awaited Him, He prayed, "Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done" (Luke 22:42). Jesus' willingness to submit to the Father's will, even at the cost of His life, provides the ultimate example of surrender and trust.

We are invited to follow Jesus’ example when we encounter our Gethsemane moments. It is natural to want to avoid pain, loss, or discomfort, but these moments challenge us to look beyond our immediate desires and consider the greater good that can come from our obedience to God's will. Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."

Choosing to offer ourselves to God involves a daily commitment to trust Him, even when the path is uncertain or difficult. It means letting go of our plans and embracing His, believing that His ways are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9). This kind of surrender is not a one-time decision but a continual process of aligning our hearts with God's will.

As I navigate my Gethsemane moments, I draw strength from the example of Jim Elliot and the teachings of Jesus. I am reminded that true fulfillment comes not from clinging to my desires but from trusting God's plan for my life. By offering myself to Him, I open the door to a deeper, more meaningful relationship with my Creator.

In your journey, when you face those crucial moments of choice, remember the courage and faith of those who have gone before you. Trust in God’s plan, knowing His love and grace will guide you through even the darkest moments. By sacrificing your self-will for His, you allow His transformative power to work in and through you, leading to a life of purpose and fulfillment in His presence.

I explore these thoughts and more in my new book Embracing Gethsemane: Navigating Life’s Darkest Moments. You can purchase the book here: https://amzn.to/3IwgFHa

Jim

The Chaplain Writer