Day 14: Surrendering to God: Finding Strength in Our Weakness

Let’s take a moment today to be with God. If you want to do this as a family, we encourage you to set aside time after your own quiet time to go through the family content at the bottom together.

PAUSE

“Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, ‘My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.’”—Matthew 26:39 (NIV)

Sometimes, even when we know God's direction, the task ahead can feel overwhelming. Whether it’s forgiving someone, loving the unlovable, or surrendering control, we can follow Jesus' example in Gethsemane. Despite His desire to avoid the suffering ahead, He prayed, “Not as I will, but as you will,” because of His deep relationship with the Father. Jesus often spent time in solitude, seeking the Father’s strength and guidance. If He, as both fully God and fully man, needed this, how much more do we?

PONDER

Are you dealing with something God wants you to do but seems hard? Take some time today to think about it. Ask yourself, “Am I trying to handle this by myself when God is ready to help me?”

PRAY

Father, thank You for being with me and for offering Your strength in times of weakness. Help me not to rely on my own strength but to depend on You in everything. Show me where I need to surrender and trust You’re equipping me for what lies ahead. Amen.

For Your Family

PAUSE

Read Matthew 26:39 out loud with your kids. Whether you go on a walk, talk in the car, discuss at dinner, or gather before bed, choose a time in your day to discuss and pray together.

PONDER

Share the main idea with them.

• We can be honest with God and still ask Him to help us.

Ask them:

• What’s something hard you need God’s help with?

PRAY

Guide your children to pray using these prayer points.

• Thank God for always listening to us when we’re honest with Him.
• Ask God to give you the strength to do what’s hard.
• Pray for God to show you how to love others even when it’s hard.

Pray this over your children:

Father, thank You for being with us always! I pray for my kids (name them) to never forget that. Give them Your strength when they feel weak. Remind them that You make them more than enough. Help them trust You and love others. Amen.