This headline appeared on the internet recently, “7-year-old Brody Stephens has leukemia, but that hasn’t stopped him from playing basketball and inspiring NBA stars like Steph Curry.”

When someone chooses courage in the face of overwhelming obstacles, their decision inspires the rest of us. I believe that’s one reason why Jesus’ prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane is recorded in Scripture. We don’t need to know about His prayer to know He was arrested and then executed. His disciples were asleep and did not hear His surrender to God; either Jesus or the Holy Spirit must have revealed to them His decision.

Our Father wants us to know of His Son’s faithfulness so we can choose to follow His example. Jesus’ prayer is our model: “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.”

The word “nevertheless” is found over 100 times in the Bible. For instance, the Jebusites “said to David, ‘You will not come in here'” (2 Samuel 5:6). “Nevertheless, David took the stronghold of Zion, that is, the city of David.” v. 7

The psalmist stated, “When my soul was embittered, when I was pricked in heart, I was brutish and ignorant; I was a beast toward you. Nevertheless, I am continually with you; you hold my right hand.”
Psalm 73:21-24

It takes “nevertheless” faith to serve Jesus when the crowds turn from “Hosanna!” to “Crucify!” It takes “nevertheless” faith to follow Him when His disciples forsake Him. It takes “nevertheless” faith to join Him at His cross and tomb. But “nevertheless” faith is rewarded by the One who, despite all circumstances, is nevertheless God.

We need to remember with Thomas a Kempis: “We usually know what we can do, but temptation shows us who we are.” Watch how the enemy tempts you to fail your Lord and turn his tests into opportunities for prayer, faith, and victory.

We need to remember with Mother Angelica: “Every time I say ‘no’ to a small temptation, I strengthen my will to say ‘no’ to a greater one.” Choose to follow Jesus today so you can follow Him tomorrow.

We need to remember with Oswald Chambers: “God never gives us discernment so that we may criticize, but that we may intercede.” When you discern that others are failing your Lord, pray for them. And pray that you do not join them.

We need to remember with Francis Schaeffer: “Biblical orthodoxy without compassion is surely the ugliest thing in the world.” Choose to love Jesus by loving those for whom He died.

We need to remember with Thomas Merton: “The biggest human temptation is to settle for too little.” Settle for nothing less than faith that moves mountains and calms seas.

Why do you need “nevertheless” faith today?

Adapted from Dr. Jim Denison | April 13, 2017