Everything moves in a direction. Birds flap their wings upward and downward, rain falls down, and heat rises. Everything also has a duration of time. The rain poured down Thursday morning to early evening. Eventually the sun shined through and the rain ceased. While it is safe to say that these events are inevitable, we must operate according to each different season of time.

Jesus crossed the Kidron Valley with his disciples and entered a grove of olive trees.  Judas, the betrayer, knew this place, because Jesus had often gone there with his disciples. The leading priests and Pharisees had given Judas a contingent of Roman soldiers and Temple guards to accompany him. Now with blazing torches, lanterns, and weapons, they arrived at the olive grove.

 Jesus fully realized all that was going to happen to him, so he stepped forward to meet them. “Who are you looking for?” he asked.  (John 18:1-4 NLT)

At this point, Jesus had just finished praying to God for all the believers HE had given Him. In the garden of Gethsemane, Jesus also prayed for God’s will to be done. He accepted that He would have to suffer in order to set people free although his suffering would be painful.

Jesus the Nazarene,” they replied.

“I am he,” Jesus said. (Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them.)  As Jesus said “I am he,” they all drew back and fell to the ground! Once more he asked them, “Who are you looking for?” And again they replied, “Jesus the Nazarene.”

“I told you that I am he,” Jesus said. “And since I am the one you want, let these others go.” (John 18:5-8 NLT)

Imagine the power that came from Jesus when He said “I am He.” It was orchestrated by God Himself. Those who came to arrest Him felt His power but still denied His authority. One thing is certain, Jesus was sure of His identity. We must also not only know our names but the authority God has given us. We must trust God to move on our behalf and fight our battles even in troublesome times.

He did this to fulfill his own statement: “I did not lose a single one of those you have given me.”

Then Simon Peter drew a sword and slashed off the right ear of Malchus, the high priest’s slave. But Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword back into its sheath. Shall I not drink from the cup of suffering the Father has given me?” (John 18:9-11 NLT)

Simon Peter and the other disciples, were astonished by all that was occurring. Although Jesus was sure of Himself and GOD who sent Him, persecution still took place. It is evident that Jesus was (and is) the Son of God so why did He allow the soldiers to apprehend Him? Because He moved in God’s direction. It was a part of the necessary journey to bring redemption to believers back then, now, and for all generations to come.

When trusting in God, things do not always make sense in the natural sense. You may be believing in faith while your mortgage payment is behind. Or maybe you have received a diagnosis that seems serious but your hope still remains. Some may not understand how you can be persuaded to keep your faith. These are situations that God can use to uplift your praise and reveal His power when you are moving “Godward”.

Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident.

One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in his temple.

For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock. (Psalm 27:3-6 KJV)

We must remember that God always keeps His promises. We, like Simon Peter, try to diffuse the situation by taking charge at times.God is greater in us and will sustain us when we move in His direction.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. – Jeremiah 29:11

Check out this empowering song titled “Do It Again” by Elevation Worship!