Day 67 of the Gratitude Challenge focuses on embracing laughter during tough times. Discover how humour can shift your perspective and boost positivity.
Welcome to Day 67 of the Gratitude Challenge! Today we explore how laughing at life’s circumstances can transform stress into joy and foster a positive mindset. Discover practical ways to use humour as a tool for resilience and personal growth. Join us on this journey and find out how gratitude and laughter together make life brighter. Subscribe for daily inspiration and keep your gratitude practice going strong!
Every day for 70 days I’m going to give thanks with my whole heart. That means I’m going to decide to give thanks, feel gratitude and show appreciation for what I feel gratitude for. And I invite you to join me.
Read Gratitude Challenge Day 67 - Laughing Circumstances
Gratitude Challenge Day 67: Laughing at Circumstances
Are you ready to deepen your journey in the Gratitude Challenge? Today is Day 67, and we’re exploring a powerful practice: laughing at circumstances. When life throws curveballs, our response matters. Discover how gratitude, joy, and faith can transform even the toughest moments!
Why Laughter Belongs in Your Gratitude Challenge
Life isn’t always smooth. Bills pile up, plans unravel, and unexpected problems arise. Yet, Scripture encourages us to find joy even in trials:
“A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” – Proverbs 17:22 (NIV)
Laughter isn’t denial—it’s a refusal to let worry steal our peace. In the context of gratitude journaling and daily thanksgiving, laughter helps us:
See problems from a higher perspective
Build resilience through faith
Spread joy to others facing similar challenges
How Can We Laugh at Our Circumstances?
1. Remember God’s Promises
God is sovereign over every situation. When we focus on His promises, our worries shrink:
Philippians 4:6-7 reminds us to present every request to God with thanksgiving, and He will guard our hearts with peace.
Romans 8:28 assures us that “in all things God works for the good of those who love him.”
2. Practice Daily Gratitude
Gratitude journaling isn't just about listing blessings—it's about finding reasons to smile, even when circumstances seem bleak.
Simple Steps to Add Laughter to Your Gratitude Practice:
Write Down One Silly Thing Each Day: Recall something that made you laugh or smile recently.
Share Joy with Someone Else: Send an encouraging message or a funny story to a friend.
Pray for Joy: Ask God for a cheerful heart and the ability to see His goodness in every situation.
Common Questions About Laughing at Circumstances
Q: Isn’t it wrong to laugh when life is hard? A: Laughter isn’t disrespectful—it’s a sign of trust in God’s sovereignty. Jesus Himself used humor and gentle teasing (Luke 24:36-43) after His resurrection to comfort His followers.
Q: How do I find joy when everything feels overwhelming? A: Start small. Find one thing each day that brings a smile. Pray for the Holy Spirit’s help. Remember, “the joy of the Lord is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10).
Q: Will laughter really change my attitude? A: Scientific studies and biblical wisdom agree—a cheerful heart lifts your spirit and fosters resilience.
Benefits of Laughing in Your Gratitude Challenge
Reduces stress and anxiety
Strengthens relationships
Deepens your faith and trust in God
Makes daily gratitude journaling more enjoyable
Closing Thoughts: Let Joy Lead Your Journey
The Gratitude Challenge isn’t just about counting blessings—it’s about letting joy transform your perspective. When you laugh at circumstances, you declare that God’s promises are bigger than your problems.
Take Action:
Have you ever laughed in a tough moment, only to find your faith strengthened? Share your story in the comments below! If this post encouraged you, subscribe for more daily inspiration or share with a friend who needs a boost of joy today.
Stay thankful, stay joyful, and keep laughing—God’s got this!
Today’s 70-Day Gratitude Challenge Question
How can gratitude affect my spiritual growth?
Gratitude can play a significant role in fostering spiritual growth by deepening your connection with God, enhancing your faith, and encouraging a positive outlook on life. Here are several ways gratitude affects spiritual growth, along with relevant Bible verses to support these ideas:
1. Deepening Your Connection with God
Expressing gratitude helps you recognize God's blessings and presence in your life. This acknowledgment can strengthen your relationship with Him.
Bible Verse: "Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever." (Psalm 107:1)
2. Cultivating a Heart of Worship
Gratitude leads to worship, as it focuses your heart on God’s goodness and mercy. This can inspire you to praise Him more often.
Bible Verse: "I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds." (Psalm 9:1)
3. Fostering Humility
Practicing gratitude encourages humility by reminding you that everything you have comes from God. This acknowledgment can help you remain grounded and reliant on Him.
Bible Verse: "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights..." (James 1:17)
4. Promoting Contentment
Gratitude shifts your focus from what you lack to appreciating what you have, fostering a sense of contentment that aligns with spiritual well-being.
Bible Verse: "But godliness with contentment is great gain." (1 Timothy 6:6)
5. Encouraging Positive Attitudes
A grateful heart leads to positive thinking and resilience in the face of challenges. This attitude can enhance your faith as you trust in God’s plan.
Bible Verse: "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
6. Strengthening Community Bonds
Gratitude encourages you to express appreciation for others, strengthening relationships within your faith community and promoting unity.
Bible Verse: "And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful." (Colossians 3:15)
7. Motivating Acts of Service
When you feel grateful for what God has done for you, it can inspire you to serve others, reflecting His love and grace in action.
Bible Verse: "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace." (1 Peter 4:10)
Conclusion
Incorporating gratitude into your spiritual practice can lead to profound growth and transformation. By recognizing God’s blessings and expressing appreciation, you cultivate a deeper relationship with Him and a more fulfilling spiritual life.
How I can help you do a 70-Day Gratitude Challenge
Discover fresh inspiration every day with the Daily Blog posts at RevTrev.com/blog! When you join the Gratitude HUB through the Course + Community or Course + Community + Clarity options at https://revtrev.link/thanks you’ll also unlock exclusive access to these daily updates right inside your HUB. Whether you want practical tips, uplifting stories, or encouragement for your gratitude journey, the Daily Blog keeps you connected and motivated. Start each day with new insights and stay engaged with a supportive community that shares your passion for grateful living.
Next Steps
Check out https://revtrev.link/thanks and learn how I can help you get involved in the Live LIGHT 70-Day Gratitude Challenge or do one on your own.
Shift your mindset and embrace new perspectives in our Gratitude Challenge Day 13. Discover how changing your view can transform your gratitude practice.
Welcome to Gratitude Challenge Day 13! Today’s focus is on perspective change—learning how a shift in mindset can deeply impact your gratitude journey. Watch as we explore practical ways to see challenges in a new light and strengthen your daily gratitude practice. Whether you’re new to gratitude or continuing your journey, this video is packed with simple tips to help you grow and feel inspired. Join us, share your experience, and let’s make positivity a daily habit!
Every day for 70 days I’m going to give thanks with my whole heart. That means I’m going to decide to give thanks, feel gratitude and show appreciation for what I feel gratitude for. And I invite you to join me.
Read Gratitude Challenge Day 13 - Perspective Change
Gratitude Challenge Day 13 – Perspective Change
Have you ever felt stuck in your thoughts, unable to see past your current struggles? Today’s Gratitude Challenge is all about perspective change—the intentional act of looking at life from a fresh angle. If you’ve been following this challenge, you know that gratitude can transform your heart. On Day 13, we’re focusing on how a shift in perspective can deepen your thankfulness, bring peace, and reveal God’s faithfulness in new ways.
Why Perspective Change Matters
Perspective change isn’t just about “thinking positive.” It means choosing to see circumstances through a different lens—often God’s lens, rather than our own. Philippians 4:8 encourages us: “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” This verse invites us to focus on what uplifts and brings hope.
Related keywords: mindset shift, gratitude practice, Christian living
How Does Perspective Change Help Gratitude?
1. Breaks Negative Thought Patterns
When we’re caught in negativity, it’s easy to overlook blessings.
A perspective change interrupts those patterns, making space for gratitude to grow.
2. Reveals God’s Ongoing Work
Shifting our view helps us recognize where God is working, even in hardships.
Romans 8:28 reminds us: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him…”
This doesn’t mean everything feels good—but God brings purpose through all things.
3. Strengthens Relationships
Changing perspective often involves seeing others with more grace.
Practicing empathy and understanding can transform our connections.
Practical Ways to Embrace Perspective Change
Try these simple steps today:
Pause and Pray
Ask God to help you see your situation through His eyes.
List Three Blessings
Even when things are tough, write down three things you’re thankful for.
Reframe One Challenge
Choose a current struggle. Ask: “How could this help me grow?” or “Where is God moving here?”
Encourage Someone
Share a word of encouragement or gratitude with a friend or family member.
FAQs About Perspective Change
Q: Is changing my perspective just ignoring my problems? A: No. Perspective change isn’t denial—it’s viewing your circumstances honestly while seeking God’s presence and purpose within them.
Q: Can gratitude really change my mood? A: Yes! Research and Scripture both show that gratitude practice improves mental and emotional well-being. (See 1 Thessalonians 5:18: “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”)
Conclusion: Step Into a New View
Gratitude and perspective change go hand-in-hand for Christian living. By intentionally shifting your focus, you’ll find more reasons to be thankful and trust God’s bigger picture—even when life is hard.
Take action:
Share one way you’ve experienced a perspective change in the comments.
Subscribe for more daily gratitude prompts.
Pass this post along to someone who needs encouragement today!
Let’s keep growing together—one perspective change at a time.
Today’s 70-Day Gratitude Challenge Question
Why is gratitude considered a powerful decision?
Gratitude is considered a powerful decision for several reasons, as it can significantly impact one's mental and emotional well-being. Here are some key points along with links to sources for further reading:
Shift in Perspective: Choosing gratitude helps to shift focus from what is lacking to what is abundant in one’s life, promoting a more positive outlook.
Empowerment: Actively deciding to practice gratitude empowers individuals to take control of their emotional state, fostering a proactive approach to mental health.
Promoting Positive Behaviour: Grateful individuals are more likely to engage in positive behaviours, such as kindness and generosity, which can create a positive cycle in their lives.
Mindfulness and Presence: Making the decision to practice gratitude enhances mindfulness, helping individuals to stay present and appreciate their experiences.
Lasting Impact: The decision to cultivate gratitude can lead to long-term changes in mindset and behavior, contributing to an overall improved quality of life.
By consciously choosing gratitude, individuals can transform their mental and emotional landscapes, leading to significant improvements in their overall quality of life.
How I can help you do a 70-Day Gratitude Challenge
Join the Gratitude Challenge Community and take your gratitude journey to the next level! When you purchase the Course + Community or Course + Community + Clarity options, you unlock full access to the exclusive Gratitude HUB—your space for daily replays, podcasts, blog posts, and announcements. Plus, you'll get Chalet Access to the Live LIGHT Cascade Chalet, https://revtrev.com/chalet a welcoming online community where you can connect, share, and grow alongside others committed to cultivating gratitude. Experience support, encouragement, and meaningful connections that help you build lasting habits and deepen your appreciation every day. Don’t just go through the challenge—grow through it with the Gratitude Challenge Community! Learn more at https://revtrev.link/thanks
Next Steps
Check out https://revtrev.link/thanks and learn how I can help you get involved in the Live LIGHT 70-Day Gratitude Challenge or do one on your own.
In this message, we explore how to walk in surrender. We examine the themes of betrayal and submission through biblical narratives. Learn how these events can shape your spiritual journey. Join us as we uncover valuable lessons on trust and resilience. Discover how to navigate personal relationships while maintaining your faith. Tune in for thoughtful insights and practical advice on overcoming betrayal and fostering submission to God's will.
Trevor H. Lund is the founder of Live LIGHT Academy at https://livelight.ca/ and the Creative Storyteller at https://revtrev.com Check out https://revtrev.com/tv for past videos and live casts and https://revtrev.com/radio to subscribe to his podcast wherever you listen.
In our series with the Road to the Resurrection, we are at Maundy Thursday - the night he was betrayed.
It’s also the night his disciples did support Him in prayer, the night he was deserted and the night he was denied. But we remember it as the night He was betrayed.
We’re going to look at how Jesus walked out that day and how we can walk in surrender to God.
Because When we adopt surrender we embrace His peace.
Can we pray?
There are three events on the night Jesus was betrayed that demonstrate how He walked in surrender that we are going to focus on today.
There’s more I can say, but I’m going to focus on three events that lead up to the other events.
The Washing of the Disciples Feet,
The Celebration of the Last Supper,
The Betrayal in the Garden.
These show us what surrender really is and how we can apply it in the day-to-day of our everyday.
1. Washing the Disciples' Feet
John 13:1-17 Before the Passover celebration, Jesus knew that his hour had come to leave this world and return to his Father. He had loved his disciples during his ministry on earth, and now he loved them to the very end. It was time for supper, and the devil had already prompted Judas, son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. Jesus knew that the Father had given him authority over everything and that he had come from God and would return to God. So he got up from the table, took off his robe, wrapped a towel around his waist, and poured water into a basin. Then he began to wash the disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel he had around him.When Jesus came to Simon Peter, Peter said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?”Jesus replied, “You don’t understand now what I am doing, but someday you will.”
If you ever need a promise claim that one.
“No,” Peter protested, “you will never ever wash my feet!”Jesus replied, “Unless I wash you, you won’t belong to me.”Simon Peter exclaimed, “Then wash my hands and head as well, Lord, not just my feet!”Jesus replied, “A person who has bathed all over does not need to wash, except for the feet, to be entirely clean. And you disciples are clean, but not all of you.” For Jesus knew who would betray him. That is what he meant when he said, “Not all of you are clean.”After washing their feet, he put on his robe again and sat down and asked, “Do you understand what I was doing? You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and you are right, because that’s what I am. And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet. I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you. I tell you the truth, slaves are not greater than their master. Nor is the messenger more important than the one who sends the message. Now that you know these things, God will bless you for doing them.”
When we adopt surrender we embrace His peace.
Surrender is not what the world tells you it is. It’ s not giving up to someone or something who is trying to bully you. It’s not the “loser” in the “winner and loser” zero-sum politics that some people like to play.
Surrender is demonstrated by Jesus: Jesus took on the role of a servant. He washed the feet of the one who would betray him, the ones who would desert him, the one who would deny him.
He flipped everything up-side down. You want to be the greatest you need to serve the best. It is not about you, it’s about the one who sends you.
The one who is sending you is God. The one you need to become more and more like is Jesus. He left you an example so you can follow in his steps.
* Surrender is a willingness to lay down your own desires for the sake of others.
It is choosing humility over pride and service over status.
Philippians 2:3-4 NLT Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.
Let’s continue the story in Luke and talk about the Last Supper.
⠀2. The Last Supper
Luke 22:14-23 When the time came, Jesus and the apostles sat down together at the table. Jesus said, “I have been very eager to eat this Passover meal with you before my suffering begins. For I tell you now that I won’t eat this meal again until its meaning is fulfilled in the Kingdom of God.”Then he took a cup of wine and gave thanks to God for it. Then he said, “Take this and share it among yourselves. For I will not drink wine again until the Kingdom of God has come.”He took some bread and gave thanks to God for it. Then he broke it in pieces and gave it to the disciples, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”After supper he took another cup of wine and said, “This cup is the new covenant between God and his people—an agreement confirmed with my blood, which is poured out as a sacrifice for you.“But here at this table, sitting among us as a friend, is the man who will betray me. For it has been determined that the Son of Man must die. But what sorrow awaits the one who betrays him.” The disciples began to ask each other which of them would ever do such a thing.
When we adopt surrender we embrace His peace.
I mentioned it’s Maundy Thursday. Do you know what that means?
"maundy" comes from the Latin word "mandatum," meaning "command" or "mandate".
It comes from Jesus instituting a new covenant at his last passover meal.
Have you ever wondered why we celebrate communion, but not foot washing? It’s because the Corinthian church got communion so badly that Paul needed to correct it. He wrote to them that he has special revelation that he received from the Lord that he reminded them of.
Paul had a special revelation from the Lord that communion was to continue until the Lord comes back. It’s how we regularly remember everything that changed at the cross.
Everything changed at the cross:
Guilt was removed (Justification). Romans 3:23-24
The price of sin was paid (Redemption). Romans 3:25
Our sins were washed (Propitiation). 1 Corinthians 6:11
We were made friends again with God (Reconciliation). 2 Corinthians 5:19
We are no longer fallen (Identification). Ephesians 2:4-6
Satan’s Rule Was Ended (Reclamation). Colossians 2:15
The curse of the law was canceled (Expiation). Galatians 3:13
Why Celebrate Communion and Not Foot Washing
So we know the earliest church celebrated communion, and it was because God illuminated it to Paul that we know it’s for us until Christ returns and we celebrate what it represents with Him.
For the first 3 centuries the church gathered around table. So getting this right was so important. It wasn’t until the 4th century we started gathering around the Word.
On the other hand, from earliest time we understood washing each other’s feet meant submitting to one another in love. It is a way of life, not a ceremony…unless God gives someone a special revelation for a specific time.
Pick up the story
Let’s pick it up the story with Luke you’re not going to believe this. Remember, they were just asking each other which one of them could ever betray Jesus, next verse…
Luke 22:24-27Then they began to argue among themselves about who would be the greatest among them. Jesus told them, “In this world the kings and great men lord it over their people, yet they are called ‘friends of the people.’ But among you it will be different. Those who are the greatest among you should take the lowest rank, and the leader should be like a servant. Who is more important, the one who sits at the table or the one who serves? The one who sits at the table, of course. But not here! For I am among you as one who serves."
Now, two things could be happening. I think John was the last Gospel written and John wrote it when he was an old man. He could remember the events in a different order—we know this conversation happened on the night Jesus was betrayed.
But I know young men—I once considered myself young—and it’s totally reasonable for young men to go from “I’m not going to betray him” to “I’m the best one here.” And it’s completely natural for young men to be correct twice the same night for the same arrogance and misplaced trust.
So I don’t have a problem with John putting this correction when Jesus washed their feet and Luke putting it when they were on the way to the garden.
But you’d like to feel the eye of Jesus rolls. You’d like to imagine him slapping his forehead. When are these guys going to clue in?
But he doesn’t because what’s true for us is true for him.
When we adopt surrender we embrace His peace.
His disciples were so confident that they were still arguing about who would be the greatest. Remember Jesus sent them out to heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons and raise the dead. They came back rejoicing that even demons were subjected to them. They just saw the crowd wave palm branches and throw down their cloaks and shouted Hossana!
And even though Jesus was talking about dying, they thought he was just talking in riddles again or just saying things they couldn’t understand yet but maybe in time, they would understand it.
They knew the Messiah would come in power. And they knew Jesus was the Messiah. Therefore Jesus would come in power.
The logic holds.
The one who actually might have believed what Jesus said about dying was Judas Iscariot. Remember he went out to heal the sick and cleanse the lepers and cast out demons and raised the dead. He returned, with them all and all excited.
How did the devil prompt him? We’re not told. We know he kept the money bag and helped himself to it. There was something in him looking out for self.
But I wonder if Judas was the first to realize Jesus was serious when he said He was going to die. It would have shattered his belief in Jesus being the Messiah.
If he believed Jesus was going to die and knew the Messiah was going to come in power, then Judas hadn’t surrendered to God’s plan. So instead of embracing peace, he tried to take control.
Surrender is the opposite of trying to take control.
* Surrender is trusting God's plan, even when it challenges your understanding.
We know what to do when God’s plan doesn’t make sense to our thinking…
Philippians 4:6-7 NLT Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
When we adopt surrender we embrace His peace.
Let’s pick it up with Matthew…
Matthew 26:30-35Then they sang a hymn and went out to the Mount of Olives.On the way, Jesus told them, “Tonight all of you will desert me. For the Scriptures say, ‘God will strike the Shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ But after I have been raised from the dead, I will go ahead of you to Galilee and meet you there.”Peter declared, “Even if everyone else deserts you, I will never desert you.”Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, Peter—this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny three times that you even know me.” "No!” Peter insisted. “Even if I have to die with you, I will never deny you!” And all the other disciples vowed the same.
When we adopt surrender we embrace His peace.
I’ve learned the hard way to not argue with Jesus. I’m not saying “I don’t still do it at times.” I’ve learned His peace is more important than my will being done.
When I disagree with him—and yes, that still happens—I’ll find a Psalm that feels the same way I do and wrestle with that Psalm until I ultimately decide to agree with Jesus.
I guess I do it enough that I’ve created a webpage on my site with every Psalm of Lament grouped into emotions so I can find the one that feels the way I currently am feeling more quickly. https://revtrev.com/psalms/
Let’s move on to the Garden. I’ll move through Luke and Matthew’s accounts…
3. Betrayal in the Garden
Luke 22:39-42
Then, accompanied by the disciples, Jesus left the upstairs room and went as usual to the Mount of Olives. There he told them, “Pray that you will not give in to temptation.” He walked away, about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, “Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.”
Matthew 26:40-42
Then he returned to the disciples and found them asleep. He said to Peter, “Couldn’t you watch with me even one hour? Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak!”Then Jesus left them a second time and prayed, “My Father! If this cup cannot be taken away unless I drink it, your will be done.” When he returned to them again, he found them sleeping, for they couldn’t keep their eyes open. So he went to pray a third time, saying the same things again.
Luke 22:43-44
Then an angel from heaven appeared and strengthened him. He prayed more fervently, and he was in such agony of spirit that his sweat fell to the ground like great drops of blood.
Matthew 26:43-46
Then he came to the disciples and said, “Go ahead and sleep. Have your rest. But look—the time has come. The Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Up, let’s be going. Look, my betrayer is here!”
When we adopt surrender we embrace His peace.
Jesus pointed out to his disciples that prayerlessness leads to temptation. He prayed through because he knew what he had to endure.
Do you let prayerlessness lead to temptation?
We have no idea what he was going through. On a spiritual level—what was it like to take the sins of the whole world on himself? We’ll never know.
We have lost the significance of the cross for the ones who experienced first hand.
I was going to buy an oversized guillotine around my neck to show you how ridiculous it is. I was shocked and a bit horrified at the selection of guillotine necklace on Amazon—and you should see the suggestions it’s giving me know.
So maybe let me explain it a different way.
Did you know what the earliest image of Jesus on the Cross is?
It’s this one. It’s graffiti from the 1st century…
Can you see it? Here it is cleaned up…
Can you read Latin? I can’t either. Here it is in translation
“Alexandro worshiping his god.”
This graffiti was probably created to make fun of “Alexandros,” a Christian, by implying that he worshiped a “donkey-headed” God. The inscription that accompanies the image indeed reads: “Alexandro worshiping his god.”
The fact that “Alexandro’s God” is being crucified makes it even worse, as during the 1st century crucifixion was a punishment reserved for serious crime offenders.
It was the worst of the worst. Proper Roman citizens wouldn’t even say the word crucified or crucifixion in public. It was not a topic talked about. It was certainly not something celebrated…
…Christians did not celebrate the cross in images until the 5th century — 100 years after Constantine outlawed crucifixion as a punishment in Rome. It was out of use for 100 years before we see it become more common in Christian iconography.
We don’t understand the Cross like those who saw Jesus on it did. We don’t understand the pain, the humiliation, the degradation. Jesus sweated—as it were—drops of blood.
Hematridrosis
Hematridrosis is a condition which the capillaries surrounding sweat glands rupture due to extreme physical or emotional stress. Blood mixes with sweat, causing the person to sweat blood.
Has that happened to you? It hasn’t happened to me. I can never know what Jesus went through in the garden. I’m glad there was an angel there to help him.
We can’t
understand the spiritual side.
comprehend the physical pain.
grasp the societal shame.
But we know Jesus showed us a life of surrender when he showed us his anguish in the Garden.
Surrender is not giving in to the turmoil.
* Surrender is aligning your heart to God’s will.
Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.
When we adopt surrender we embrace His peace.
Judas led a crowd with men with swords and clubs to the garden and signaled to them who Jesus was with a kiss.
Jesus asked who they were looking for and they told him and he send “I am he” and they fell back. And he said, “Take me, and let these guys go”, so they reached for him and Peter took a sword and cut off the ear of the high priests’ servant.
Jesus healed the servant and told his disciples to stand down. And they scattered.
Can Jesus give us any better example than that, showing us…
When we adopt surrender we embrace His peace.
Jesus went like a lamb to the slaughter while being a lion on a throne. He didn’t answer his accusers or debate what they were saying about him. He wasn’t surrendering to them. He was surrendered to the will of his Father.
There’s more to this night, but we’ll leave our look at it here.
Feeling Hopeless
When I was in Seminary I had a professor who said, “The only service people should leave a little bit depressed by, it’s a Maundy Thursday Service.”
You get it don’t you?
To leave feeling what the disciples felt would be to leave hopeless, ignorant of what was coming.
Does it matter?
We’re all going to have times in our life when our hope has been misplaced or our plans have been disrupted or all of sudden our world stop making any sense.
What do you do when your trust has been lost?
That’s a great question, I’m so glad you asked.
That’s why I’ve developed the How to Walk in Surrender Tool.
How to Walk in Surrender Tool
You’re going to have to lay down and DIE
D - Direct your hope on the One who can’t disappoint Hebrews 12:2
I - Insist on agreeing with His promises Psalm 91:4
E -Exchange your problems for His Peace 1 Peter 5:7
Let’s unpack this…
D - Direct your hope on the One who can’t disappoint
Hebrews 12:2 …fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Remember: Surrender is trusting God's plan, even when it challenges your understanding.
When our hope is in any else but Jesus, our hope will lead to disappointment. You know this true, because you’ve had disappointment—in relationships, in health and in what you receive for what you do. The battle for hope is the battle for identity and these three areas are where we are always attacked. If your hope is in any of them, you will be disappointed.
But your hope can be in Jesus. You know the difference that makes. If you don’t you need to. Ask Holy Spirit how to do it. I have some tools that can help.
Is my hope in Christ alone?
I - Insist on agreeing with His promises
Psalm 91:4 He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armour and protection.
Remember: Surrender is a willingness to lay down your own desires for the sake of others.
We are transformed by the renewing of our mind. That renewal comes from reading the Word that reads us. It is living and active and It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. Let him show you what His promises are for you.
1 Peter 5:7 Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.
Walking in Surrender does not mean not asking God to make it easier for you. It’s understanding that prayer can keep you from temptation.
Remember: Surrender is aligning your heart to God’s will. You do this in prayer.
You exchange your problems for His peace. Work through the CAST my Cares Upon Him Tool…
CAST my Cares Upon Him
C - Centre in on His care for you 1 Peter 5:7
A - Agree with a Psalm that feels like you do Psalm 62:8
S - Set your focus on gratitude Philippians 4:6-7
T - Take ahold of some promises Psalm 91:4
Do cast all my cares on Him?
When we adopt surrender we embrace His peace.
Review…
How to Walk in Surrender Tool
You’re going to have to lay down and DIE
D - Direct your hope on the One who can’t disappoint
Hebrews 12:2 Is my hope in Christ alone?
I - Insist on agreeing with His promises
Psalm 91:4 Do I hold on to His promises?
E -Exchange your problems for His Peace
1 Peter 5:7Do cast all my cares on Him?
Conclusion
We’re going to close in Communion and continue in communion after the service is dismissed.
Put on the music as we prepare to take communion.
Paul tells us
1 Corinthians 11:23-34 For I pass on to you what I received from the Lord himself. On the night when he was betrayed, the Lord Jesus took some bread and gave thanks to God for it. Then he broke it in pieces and said, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, he took the cup of wine after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant between God and his people—an agreement confirmed with my blood. Do this in remembrance of me as often as you drink it.” For every time you eat this bread and drink this cup, you are announcing the Lord’s death until he comes again.So anyone who eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord unworthily is guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. That is why you should examine yourself before eating the bread and drinking the cup. For if you eat the bread or drink the cup without honoring the body of Christ, you are eating and drinking God’s judgment upon yourself. That is why many of you are weak and sick and some have even died.But if we would examine ourselves, we would not be judged by God in this way. Yet when we are judged by the Lord, we are being disciplined so that we will not be condemned along with the world.So, my dear brothers and sisters, when you gather for the Lord’s Supper, wait for each other. If you are really hungry, eat at home so you won’t bring judgment upon yourselves when you meet together. I’ll give you instructions about the other matters after I arrive.
Let’s examine ourselves in this moment.
Ask God if there is any reason that those who trust in Him would be ashamed because of you, Is there any reason you can cause them to be humiliated. (See Psalm 69:6)
If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth. But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. 1 John 1:8-9
Thank you for the promise:
“I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh” (Ezekiel 36:26)
