Jesus went a little bit further and prayed, “Abba, Father,” He said, “all things are possible for you! Take away this cup from me!” (Mark 14:36).

Before we rush on to Jesus’ acceptance of God’s will for Him, we should soak in this prayer. Jesus didn’t celebrate persecution as a good thing. He embraced it as a necessary thing. But Jesus was not ashamed to beg God, on the basis of His sovereign power, let let this moment of suffering pass from Him.

Do not be ashamed to ask for God’s mercy and justice for our country TODAY. Do not accept persecution and a downward spiral of godlessness as an inevitable, unchangeable, destination for our country. All things are possible for God. Revive us, Oh Lord! And destroy the works of the Devil!