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

Blogging Through Embracing Gethsemane: Navigating Life's Darkest Moments - Considering Potential Outcomes

As I continue to blog through my book, "Embracing Gethsemane: Navigating Life’s Darkest Moments," I want to take some time to explore the importance of considering potential outcomes when faced with significant decisions. This is a crucial step in navigating our Gethsemane moments.

Much like Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jim Elliot weighed the potential outcomes before making his choice. Elliot’s decision was not made lightly; it sprung out of a deep commitment to God. His choice to honor his commitments embodied the essence of love and self-sacrifice during his critical Gethsemane moment.

Jim Elliot, a missionary, faced a Gethsemane moment when he and his colleagues decided to reach out to the Huaorani people of Ecuador. The decision was fraught with potential risks, including the possibility of death. However, Elliot’s commitment to God's call and his love for the Huaorani people compelled him to proceed. He famously said, “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” Elliot's words reflect the weight of his consideration and the depth of his faith.

In your Gethsemane moment, you may find yourself considering the outcomes of your choices, too. This is a critical process. Taking the time to ponder the outcomes allows you to recognize the potential implications of your decision and admit the seriousness of your situation.

Jesus’ prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane is a profound example of this. In Matthew 26:39, He prays, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” Jesus acknowledged the gravity of His impending suffering and death, and yet, He surrendered to God's will. This moment of contemplation and submission highlights the importance of considering the outcomes while remaining faithful to God’s plan.

When we are faced with our own Gethsemane moments, we are often confronted with choices that have significant consequences. It is essential to take a step back and evaluate these potential outcomes. This involves prayer, reflection, and seeking wisdom from God. Proverbs 3:5-6 advises 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.”

Considering the outcomes also means acknowledging the potential pain and difficulty that may accompany your decisions. It is not about avoiding discomfort at all costs, but about understanding the stakes and making an informed, faith-filled decision. This process helps you to be more resolute and prepared for whatever comes your way.

I have had to face moments where the outcomes of my decisions carried significant weight. Each time, I have found comfort and strength in turning to God, seeking His guidance, and trusting in His wisdom.

As you navigate your Gethsemane moment, take the time to weigh the potential outcomes. Pray, reflect, and seek God’s guidance. Remember that considering the outcomes is not a sign of weakness, but a step toward making a faithful and informed decision. Like Jim Elliot and Jesus, let your choices spring from a deep commitment to God, embodying love and self-sacrifice even in the face of uncertainty.

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

Jim

The Chaplain Writer