Looking Out the Window: Bonnie Leon Writes a Devotional About Jesus' Time in the Garden of Gethsemane. She's Giving Away a Copy of Her New Book, Joy Takes Flight.

Bonnie will give away a copy of her new book, Joy Takes Flight. To enter to win leave a comment with your email address.

A Perfect Prayer

Last Sunday, my pastor painted a vivid picture of Jesus' time in the Garden of Gethsemane the night of his arrest. Though I'm well acquainted with this portion of scripture I saw it with new eyes. I love that about God's Word--there is always more to learn.
That night, Jesus knew what lay ahead--his arrest, brutal beatings, rejection, crucifixion, the weight of the world's sin laid upon him and the forsaking of The Father. He was the man/God. As a man he asked three of his disciples to wait with him. He wanted his friends by His side. I believe he also wanted the disciples to witness his humanity and a humility which is greater than pride.
If the disciples had remained awake that night they would have seen the heart of their Lord. In Mark 14:33 & 34 it says, he was deeply distressed and in verse 34 Jesus tells the disciples, "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death." And then he goes away and he prays that if it were possible that the hour might pass from him. "Abba Father," he said, "Everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will."
What a perfect example for us. Jesus told those he loved that he was distressed and he wanted them with him. (Sadly, his disciples let him down.) Jesus went to his Father and prayed his heart. He was honest with God when he asked if there might be another way, but ultimately Jesus’ desire was for God's will, not his own.
What a blessed reminder -- God's will, not mine.
In recent weeks I've said many prayers, beseeching God for mercy and help, wisdom and discernment. And he's answered. But when I look around me, all is not well. Life challenges my faith. There are no answers only a desire and need to trust. I pray my heart, but I pray for God's will above all else. I long for the faith to see beyond my present circumstances and for assurance that nothing touches me or the ones' I love except by God's permission.
When we place our lives into the hands of Almighty God and trust him, he will show us the way. He will give us peace. When Jesus knelt in the Garden of Gethsemane that fateful night He did not demand His own way. He placed himself under His Father's authority and he obeyed by laying down His life for all mankind. Where would we be if He had refused?
His prayer is a perfect prayer. His heart is a perfect heart. He is our perfect example.

About Joy Takes Flight
Kate Evans and Paul Anderson are finally married, settling in, and starting a family. They rejoice when Kate finds she is pregnant, but soon it is clear that there are hurdles ahead.
Should she continue in her dangerous profession as an Alaskan bush pilot? Can she really fall into the role of a wife? Then tragedy strikes, life begins to unravel, and Kate fears she may have lost Paul for good.
Chock-full of high-flying adventure, romance, and the drama of life, Joy Takes Flight is the exciting conclusion to Bonnie Leon's Alaskan Skies series.


Bio
Bonnie Leon is the author of nineteen novels, including the recently released Joy Takes Flight, book three in the Alaskan Skies series, the popular Sydney Cover series and the bestselling Journey of Eleven Moons. 
She enjoys speaking for women’s groups and teaching at writing seminars and conventions. These days, her time is filled with writing, being a grandmother and relishing precious time with her aged mother.
Bonnie and her husband, Greg, live in Southern Oregon. They have three grown children and seven grandchildren.

Visit Bonnie's Web site