CALL FOR SUPPORT

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The soldier galloped down the steep and rocky hill, straining for breath as he scanned the chaotic scene before Him. The barren landscape was strewn with rocks and crevices' which offered meagre shelter to the platoon of troops pinned down by an ambush earlier in the day. As he sprinted forwards, a spray of machine-gun fire tore the ground around him while the crump-bang of mortar explosions punctuated the roar of battle. Rifle fire, shouts of pain and the rasping shriek of automatic weapons added to the cacophony of sound.

The platoon was outnumbered by a superior force and in trouble. Still, the soldier clung to something more powerful than any individual weapon, a radio. A radio meant that artillery and air support could be called. A radio-enabled reinforcement could arrive, and injured troopers would be evacuated. A radio meant life! Hurried calls were made, and high explosive shells rained down on the enemy. The tide of the battle turned, and hours later, a victory took place. The soldier's vital link to superior forces saved the day.

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Matthew 26:36-46

In Matthew 26, we see Jesus engaged in the fight of His life. With his disciples in the Garden of Gethsemane, He poured His heart out to His Father in prayer. In verse 39, we read, "…my Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet not what I want but what You want." Jesus is under extreme stress, but He understands that a direct connection with God the Father will be vital to winning the battle of the cross.

We, too, must go to the Father in prayer, not only for protection in life's fiercest battles but for divine guidance and as a place to offer heartfelt thanks to the one who saves us. God the Father promises to send good things to us when we make our requests known to Him. Some days our prayers are like a soldier's desperate pleas for help in the middle of a violent battle. On other days, they are part of our praise and worship of the one who made it all. God loves us and sent His Son to die for us. As we approach His throne of grace through prayer, let us remember that He is always available and is willing to hear our cries or pain or praise.